February 2018 Saddle Up! Magazine by Saddle Up! Magazine

Essential for Equine Health & Immune Support Recommended by Trainers, Farriers and Veterinarians

Equerry’s Plus and Equerry’s Choice Pellet A valuable blend of Microencapsulated Probiotic and Digestive Enzymes. This mixture includes live Yeast Culture, a broad spectrum of proteinated and chellated minerals, vitamins, and our beneficial organic Selenium, in a highly palatable meal for easy feeding.

Available at Family Farm & Home Stores!

Check our website for more information about our products, and to find a store in your area

Available 8am-4pm PST Monday-Friday

(541) 791-7448 or (888) 921-2882

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GET READY TO RIDE SALE AT...

The Wire Horse February 16, 17 & 18, 2018 Special Sale Hours: Friday 9:30am-7pm, Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

10% Off Storewide REG. PRICED IN-STOCK ITEMS INCLUDING ALL SADDLES!

40% Off

(Excludes Royal Wire, dewormers, special orders & consignments)

20% Off

10-20% Off

ALL IN-STOCK SADDLE PADS

ALL IN-STOCK SADDLES

SELECT REGULAR PRICED SHOW TOPS Including our beautiful and unique WIRE HORSE LTD. Custom Line!

Mayatex, 5 Star, E-Z View & More!

25% Off

ALL IN-STOCK WINTER BLANKETS

20% Off

50%-75% Off

ALL IN-STOCK BOOTS

SUPER SALE RACK

Ariat, Justin, Laredo, Dan Post, Durango, Stetson & More!

40%

Off

ALL WINTER WEAR Ariat, Noble Outfitters, Outback & More!

$5.00 Off ANY REGULAR PRICED PURCHASE OF $40.00 OR MORE Excludes Royal Wire, Clearance & Consignments. Expires March 31, 2018 VALID IN-STORE ONLY

Lots of Great Bargains!

ENTER TO WIN A $50 GIFT CARD EACH DAY!

The Wire Horse (810) 621-5300 Fax: (810) 621-5391 • Email: thewirehorse@aol.com 12500 Corunna Rd., Lennon, MI 48449 Mon-Thurs & Sat 9:30-5:30, Fri. 9:30-7

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE! Shop online at www.thewirehorse.com

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See us at the...

MICHIGAN HORSE EXPO March 9-11, 2018 MSU Pavillion East Lansing, MI Booths 60 & 61B WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY Animal Health Solutions, Equerry Arnold Lumber Berrien County 4-H Tack Sale Black River Farm & Ranch Cashman’s Horse Equipment Outlet Custom Chaps by Amy DR Trailer Sales Equine Affaire Equinox Farm Executive Farms Fiber Luxe Blanket Cleaning Focused Heart Massage Therapy Forever Free Inc. Foxgate Wellness Giegler Feed & Landscape Supply Grand River Feeds Haylett Auto & RV Hubbard Feeds Humane Society of HV Huron River Equine Vet Services Huron Valley Horse Blanket HQ Indigo Sky Integrated Bodywork Ionia County 4-H Tack Sale Ironwood Farm Ivory Farms J & J Oakdale Large Animal Clinic Jim’s Quality Saddle Jump N Time Tack Keller Williams, Susan Baumgartner Koetter & Smith Shavings Legend Land Feed Legend Land Fence

2 6 55 71 10 62 63 19 55 17 62 64 62 62 8 66 5 72 8 55 66 6 17 62 67 6 8 17 14 7 13 12

Lynnman Construction Majestic Oak Stables MI Horse Expo 2018 MI Justin Morgan HA Tack Sale Moree Chiropractic Morton Buildings MSU Norma Agnew Horse Show Nature’s Rehab Nutrena Equine Feed Oakland County 4-H Tack Sale Oakland County 4-H Summer Camp Premium Metal Works Quality Structures Re/Max Platinum, Kathie Crowley Re/Max Platinum – Parker & Kubiak Russell Training Center Saddlefox.com Saginaw Ag Society Tack Sale Silver Fox Equestrian Center Sparta Chevy & Trailers Still Waters Boarding Stable Tom Moore Sales Tom’s Western Store Tribute Equine Nutrition Triple Crown Nutrition Willowbrooke Farm WillowWind Stable WindWalker Farm Wire Horse Worch Lumber Wright Place Fence Zephyr Boarding

58 64 36-37 56 17 9 53 64 15 31 31 22 65 68, 69 59 8 64 27 66 9 8 26, 29 64 57 11 22 16 28 3 14 70 6

ARTICLES Agnew, Shelby – MSU Horsemen’s Association/Trail Riders News Blazer, Eleanor – Composting Manure Cohan, John – New Tax Laws Eversole, Robert – Most Wanted Goodnight, Julie – Slower is Faster Grace, Heather – MI Mounted Archery Horsman, Nathan – Curb Bits Kellon, Eleanor Dr – Winter Feeding News Briefs – Equine News Palm, Lynn – Turning Aids Puterbaugh – Deadly Sins of Dressage

32-34 44-49 52 18 28 20-22 35 30 26 24-25 54-55 50-51

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Classified Ads Editor’s Note Find Ayla Contest MI Horse Expo Program Rates Show & Event Dates, MI & OH Youth Spot – English/Western Saddles

38-40 51 18 23 41-43 60-61

Saddle Up! Magazine’s March 2018 issue will be passed out for free at the...

MICHIGAN HORSE EXPO MARCH 9-11, 2018 MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI

MI HORSE EXPO PROGRAM & MARCH ISSUE DEADLINE: FEB. 13TH

810.714.9000 • www.saddleupmag.com NEW Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com • Fax: 810.714.1465 8415 Hogan Rd., Fenton, MI 48430 • Mon-Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Please Note Our New Email:

Free Show & Event Calendar

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www.saddleupmag.com/calendar.html Enter Your Events Online 24/7 At Your Convenience!

Enter Show & Event Dates, Classifieds, Subscriptions, At Your Convenience:

Your submission will automatically be emailed to us for approval. We will then place your event in our online calendar and in our printed edition too!

www.saddleupmag.com Office Hours: M-F 10am-4pm

Saddle Up! Magazine • (810) 714-9000 • M-F 10am-4pm (4)

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www.HaylettRV.com

HAYLETT

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H EXPO SPECIALS H

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2018 Lakota Colt 7309 3H GN 9’ Shortwall LQ, All Aluminum, 7’6” Tall, 6’9” Wide, Power Awning, Collapsible Tack, Drop Down Windows, Saddle Boss Saddle Racks. Stock# P8562

2010 Exiss Event 8310 – Remote Ctrl. Bigfoot Dbl. Leveling Jacks! 7’2” Interior Height w/Vaulted Roof Bows. 8’ Wide, Extra Living & Loading Space. Mangers w/Tack Storage. All Aluminum. Stock# R8575A

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2018 Lakota Charger 83 GN DR 2018 Lakota Charger Straight BP 3 H, 7’6” Tall, 8’ Wide, Drop Down 2 Horse, 6’9” Wide, 7’6” Tall, All Head Windows, Saddle Boss Saddle Alum., Drop Down Windows, Ramp Racks, Swinging 60/40 Split Back Load, LED Lights, Saddle Boss Saddle Doors, All Aluminum. Stock#P8390 Racks, Front Dress. Stock# P8158 MSRP: $24,089 | Our Price: $21,995 MSRP: $16,625 | Our Price: $14,660

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2018 Lakota Colt 8309 (AC839) 2001 4-Star 3 Horse Weekender GN, 6’ Partially Converted Living 3H GN, LQ, 9’ Shortwall, 8’ Wide, 7’6” Tall, All Aluminum, Wood Floor in Space in Front/Tack Dresser Area. All Horse Area, Split Barn Doors, Saddle Aluminum, All New Tires, Drop Down Windows. Stock# P8324A Boss Saddle Racks. Stock# P8428 MSRP: $46,706 | Our Price: $38,950

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2018 Lakota Charger 3H Slant 83DR 2018 Lakota Charger 3H Slant DR 2018 Lakota Charger C39 (7309) 2018 Lakota Charger C311 (7311S) 8’ Wide, 7’6” Tall, All Aluminum, BP, 6’9” Wide, 7’6” Tall, All Aluminum, 6’9” Wide, 7’6” Tall, All Aluminum, 3 Horse, 6’9” Wide, 7’6” Tall, All Drop Down Windows, All LED Lights, Drop Down Windows, Front and Rear 3H Living Quarters, 9’ Short Wall. Aluminum, Drop Down Windows, Saddle Boss Saddle Rack, Extruded Tack, All LED Lights, Saddle Boss Deep Slide Out, LED Lights, Saddle Front Escape Door, All LED Lights, Plank Alum. Flooring. Stock# P8324 Saddle Rack. Stock# P8325 Drop Down Windows. Stock# P8368 Boss Saddle Rack. Stock# P8327 MSRP: $17,640 | Our Price: $16,260

MSRP: $16,022 | Our Price: $14,160

MSRP: $41,861 | Our Price: $35,265

$13,860

$34,965

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MSRP: $48,824 | Our Price: $39,980

$39,680 WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

Indigo Sky Integrated Equine Bodywork

J. and J.

Oakdale

Certified Practitioner Masterson Method CESMT, LMT

Large Animal Clinic

517-629-3533

Becky Kleinschmidt 734-649-1234

oakdalevetclinic.com

7117 M-99 North, Homer, MI 49245

www.indigoskyeqbodywork.com niralijibecky.com

Original Art by Lindsey Dahl

HAUL-IN FACILITY AS WELL AS FARM CALL SERVICE Serving Calhoun, W. Jackson, N. Hillsdale & Branch Counties

ZEPHYR BOARDING

Jason D. Thornsberry DVM

9 STALL ENCLOSED HORSE BARN FOR RENT

• Lameness Exams & Wellness Care • Pre-purchase Consultation • Shockwave Therapy • Ultrasound & Digital Radiology • Select Surgeries • Endoscopy for Respiratory Performance Issues • Treatments & Injections for SI, Pelvic & TMJ • Reproductive Ultrasound & AI Services • CVSMT/Chiropractic

Very large box stalls. Call for more information. Barns with large box stalls. Indoor and outdoor arenas, daily turnout and pasture. Private and quiet. $195 & up

Margie (734) 942-0995 or Rick (734) 732-2130

Katrina Johnson LVT/EqDt. • Basic to Performance Dentistry

Romulus, Michigan

Serving Southern Michigan, Ohio, Indiana & Northern Kentucky

Pole Buildings

We Will Custom Build Any Size

Free Quotes!

30’x40’x12’

40’x64’x14’

48’x80’x14’

60’x120’x14’

1-16’x11’ sliding door 1-3’-0”x6’-8” walk door Trusses 4’ O.C.

1-20’x14’ sliding door 1-3’-0”x6’-8” walk door Trusses 4’ O.C.

1-20’x12’-8” sliding door 1-24’x14’ sliding door 1-3’-0”x6’-8” walk door Trusses 4’ O.C.

1-20’x12’-6” sliding door 1-24’x14’ sliding door 1-3’-0”x6’-8” walk door Trusses 4’ O.C.

$11,500

$19,350

$28,750

$42,950

Erected Price

Prices good within a 100 mile radius.

www.arnoldlumber.webs.com

Arnold Lumber Co.

Steel Building Package 100’x125’x16’ Two 16’x14’ overhead doors with openers, One 3/0x7/0 man door

$105,950 Erected

Call for all your building needs! • Decatur, Indiana

Steel Buildings Up To 200’ Spans! Call Arnold’s for a free quote! Erected Prices Also Available

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• 80x160 Indoor Arena • 100x200 Outdoor • Heated Observation • Heated Bathroom • Private Lockers • Matted Stalls • Hay/Grain 2x Daily

Training • Lessons • Boarding • Sales

USSELL

TRAINING CENTER

Still Waters Boarding Stable

Michigan Apple Blossom Classic Open Horse Shows

Private Farm on 78 Acres • Located in Attica, MI 48412 Very Quiet Barn • Starting at $350 Per Month

Mark & Carol Russell 2324 E. Holt Rd. Williamston, MI 48895 (517) 655-4712 rtrainct@aol.com

Dan (248) 321-0705

www.MichiganAppleBlossomClassic.com

(248) 887-4829

SADDLE AND LEATHER REPAIR

Jim Moule 1130 Tipsico Lk. Rd. Milford, MI 48380

JIM’S QUALITY SADDLE, INC. MOBILE TACK SHOP Western & English Tack • Show Quality Silver New & Used Saddles & Tack Hat Cleaning & Shaping American Big Horn, Tex Tan & Rocking R Saddles

~ FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1970 ~

Happy Valentine’s Day!

(248) 887-2117

QUALITY FEEDS & SUPPLEMENTS

DELIVERY AVAILABLE Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00-5:30, Sat 8-3:30, Sun Closed

FEED • SEED LANDSCAPE SUPPLY

1385 Pleasant Valley Rd.,Hartland, MI 48353 1/2 Mile South of M-59 - 1 Mile Inside Livingston County

THE HIGHEST QUALITY FEED AT THE LOWEST PRICES! HOGS • HORSES • RABBITS • GOATS • DOGS • CATS CATTLE • CHICKENS • WILD BIRDS • DEER FEED We Carry 5 Lines of Horse Bedding!

HAY & STRAW SAFETY SALT & WATER SOFTENER SALT

Pestell 3 in 1 and Straw

WE DO CUSTOM MIXING! (No Minimum)

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WE SHARPEN ALMOST ANYTHING!

New “Dust Free” Pine Bedding!

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Call (616) 887-1791 or (616) 887-3456

www.SpartaChevyTrailers.com

Corner of M-37 & Sparta Ave., Sparta, MI

Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-8, Fri 9-6, Sat 9-3

2017 CIMARRON WARMBLOOD 3 Horse BP, New!

42” Stalls, 7’7” Tall, 7’ 6” Wide, Aluminum Wheels, Rear Tack & More!

spartatrailers@gmail.com

2016 CIMARRON LQ New!

4 H GN w/12’ Outback Custom Conversion, Generator, Loaded!

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$25,900

$75,900

$73,900

2018 SUNDOWNER 8010 HORIZON

2018 TRAILS WEST ADVENTURE MX

$39,900

Call Jim

7’ Tall, 20 Gallon Water Tank, Swing Out Saddle Rack, Rear Door Windows, Roof Vents

10’ LQ, 7’6” Tall, 8’ Wide, Sofa, Hickory Interior, Power Awning, Hydraulic Jack, and More!

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Availa

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Kelly Today for Your BEST Deal (616) 437-2080

The Vanderhydes are horse tradin’ in Sparta. We take almost anything in trade!

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Only

New!

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HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS IN STOCK! WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

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.. LL Legend Land

FENCING Professional Design, Installation & Delivery

Nothing beats the charm of a vinyl picket fence to accent your landscaping and create a beautiful boundary for your property.

All the beauty of traditional wood Your privacy or semi-privacy fence horse fence is combined with the low should be more than just a barrier maintenance advantages of PVC to wall, if should be a reflection of provide a dramatic boundary to your your individual style. farm, ranch or neighborhood. Ranch Rail Styles: 2-Rail | 3-Rail | 4-Rail | Crossbuck

Professional Planning & Free Estimates Professional Landscape Service Available

The Horse Friendly Fence®

Custom Estate Entrance Gates Available

Bale Barn and Hay Hut The Ultimate Equine Hay Feeders

FEED & SUPPLY Quality Products & Service

(248) 486-0925

Call for our monthly special pricing!

www.LegandLandSupply.com • Legend Land, LLC – A Family Owned Business Legend Land is your Millcreek and MightyOx Dealer!

Arena Rakes • Top Dressers Row Mulchers • Manure Spreaders

Call Today For Special Discounts

We Have Millcreek Spreaders In Stock!

On Select Models

Or Custom Build Your Own Special Order!

$25.00-$300.00 Off

Arena & Track Rakes

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• Log Splitters • Chippers • Elevators WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

Whitmore Lake Location

South Lyon Location

8737 Main St., Ste. K Whitmore Lake, MI

11271 Rushton Rd. South Lyon, MI

(248) 486-0925

NEW STORE

FEED & SUPPLY

Opening End of February!

Quality Products & Service

8880 Pontiac Trail South Lyon, MI

Visit us online!

LegendLandSupply.com

ONE NAME SAYS IT ALL - Cargo, Equipment & Horse Transportation Quarter Horse Farm - Feed, Equipment & Pet Supply -Family Owned Business

Legend Land Fencing, Equipment and Feed & Pet Supply Our prices are guaranteed If you see a lower price anywhere, we will beat it! • Fromm • Taste of the Wild • Natural Balance • Best Breed

• Canidae • Origen • Acana • Triple Crown

Legend Land Is Your Horse Fence Sales and Installation Dealer

• Kalmbach • Tribute • Pastell • Wayne Davis

Legend Land Coupon The Horse Friendly Fence®

Save $5.00 when you spend $50 or more Cannot be combined with any other discounts. One discount per customer. Expires 2/28/2018

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm

Delivery Available (248) 486-0925

Legend Land Transportation Reliable • Fast • Emergency Moves • Local & Cross Country

got mud? Anywhere you have mud, we have a solution! Farms • Parking Lots • Sports Fields Golf Courses • Playgrounds

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Legend Land Quarter Horse Farm Where Legends Are Made!

Boarding • Training Lessons • Leasing Legend Land offers a 200 ft. indoor arena, 60’ round pen, 100’x200’ outdoor arena and trail riding Call today for details!

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Legend Land Coupon

February Special Stall Mats – 4x6

$34.99 Cannot be combined with any other discounts. Limit one discount per customer. Expires 2/28/2018 WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

We can customize any barn design! Call or stop in today for a quote on your next farm project.

(937) 526-4501 36 N. STEFFINS ST. VERSAILLES, OHIO 45380

POLE BUILDINGS

WORCH LUMBER

Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7:30am-12 noon

FREE DELIVERY www.worchlumber.com

30’x40’x12’

40’x64’x14’

• 1-16’x11’ slide door • 1-3/0 walk-in door • Engineered Truss 4’ on ctr.

• 1-20’x14’ split slide door • 1-3/0 walk-in door • Engineered Truss 4’ on ctr.

$11,750 Erected

$19,850

Steel Building Pkg.

48’x80’x14’

60’x120’x16’

100’x125’x16’

• 1-20’x12’ 6” split slide door • 1-24’x14’ split slide door • 1-3/0 walk-in door • Engineered Truss 4’ on ctr.

• 2-30’ x 16’ split slider doors • 1-36” walk door • Engineered Truss 4’ on ctr.

• 2-16’x14’ overhead doors with openers • 1-3/0x 7/0 walk door

$105,950

R E A L T Y

$30,750

Erected

$47,850

SOUTH LYON – 20 acre horse farm in South Lyon School District. 28 stall barn that has additional room for more stalls or hay storage, an indoor arena (70x170) with observation room and elevated deck, a (40x40) area for lunging or extra hay storage, wash racks, custom tack cabinets and much more. 3 bedroom home overlooks pond. Easy access to US-23. Only 13 miles North of Ann Arbor in Northfield Township. Fantastic opportunity for your own horse business or have your own indoor arena and barn! REDUCED TO $649,900!

REDUCED!

LIVINGSTON COUNTY – 7 acres with 4 stall barn and a second pole barn that is heated. Ranch home with Geothermal heat in area close to Highland chain of lakes adjacent to State Lands. Reduced $289,000.

INGHAM COUNTY – Mason, 34 acre farm, 11 stall horse barn w/loft and tack room. Hay barn. Ranch home, large pole barn with garage space, workshop. Pond, and outdoor arena. Minutes from Lansing. $439,000.

HORSE FARMS, FARMLAND AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN MICHIGAN

Keller Williams Farm and Ranch

Keller Williams Realty Livingston 645 W Grand River, Ste 200, Howell MI 48843

SUSAN BAUMGARTNER 517-404-6511 Email: sbaumgartner@kw.com www.mihouseandfarm.com

Erected

SUSAN BAUMGARTNER 517-404-6511

Keller Williams Farm and Ranch

REDUCED!

R E A L T Y

Erected

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Each Office Independently Owned & Operated. All information deemed accurate, but not guaranteed.

We have buyers searching in Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw & Genesee Counties. Call if you are thinking of listing your property! WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

See us at the 2018 MHC Horse Expo, Stall 728

IONIA TACK SALE

HORSE BOARDING LESSONS • CAMPS TRAINING

Saturday, March 17, 2018 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Free Admission

Concessions On Grounds

Grand Blanc, MI

IONIA 21 I-96

S. State Rd.

Ionia High School 250 East Tuttle Rd. Ionia, MI 48846

(810) 636-7000

Call or text: 810-938-5535 Email: trainerjdh@aol.com

Stall Board • Large Pastures • Indoor Arena Board Discount: Multiple Horses, 4-H, Equestrian Team Members

Ionia High School

5531 Atlas Rd., Grand Blanc, MI 48439

E. Tuttle Rd.

810-636-7000 • www.executivefarms.com

I-96 66

• Booth size: 10’x10’ space • $20 space or $15 space for 5 or more spaces • Two chairs will come with each reservation • You must provide your own tables • $10 per space late fee for reservations after March 5th • All reservations must be accompanied by full payment • Food may not be sold at vendor booths Set-up Time: 7:00 a.m.– 10:00 a.m. Tear Down: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Gentle Chiropractic Care for Large and Small Animals Dr. Daphne A. Moree Chiropractor AVCA Certified South Lyon, MI AVCA Member Since 1989 International Instructor Ask your veterinarian for a referral

734-730-9069

Booth reservations & payment due by March 1, 2018 Contact: Julie Kubiak (616) 901-5677 or email: juliekubiak0905@gmail.com

Buy a Consignment Saddle and save up to...

15% OFF

New Stirrups, Leathers, Girth and Saddle Pads!

Now Accepting New Equine Clients

BUBBA BUCKS SALE! FEBRUARY 10-25, 2018 Spend $50 and receive $15 in Bubba Bucks to be used on a later purchase of $50 (Excludes saddles, sales and discounts)

Jump ‘N Time Tack English Riding Attire & Tack Store Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday Noon-4pm Closed Monday

734.550.9896 9571 Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI jumpntimetack@gmail.com

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The New Tax Law and The Horse Industry by John Alan Cohan, Attorney at Law The new tax law signed by President Trump, called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), has several provisions beneficial to owners and breeders in the horse and livestock industries. I will discuss some of the highlights. New Deduction for Pass-Through Businesses: The new law changes how “pass-through” entities, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations and LLCs, are taxed. This includes 85% of owners in the horse and livestock industries. Now, for the first time ever, the owner's qualified business income (QBI) from pass-throughs is allowed a 20% deduction, subject to restrictions that can apply at higher income levels. This constitutes a 20% tax cut for pass-through filers. QBI is generally defined as the net amount of qualified items of income, gain, deduction and loss from any qualified business of the non-corporate owner. (QBI does not include certain investment items, reasonable compensation paid to an owner for services rendered to the business or any guaranteed payments to a partner.) Also, the new law provides the top rate on income earned by owners of pass-through business at 37% – which is a slight reduction from the former 39.6% rate. The pass-through provisions are an incentive for employees to become independent contractors. Many personnel working in the horse and livestock industries are already independent contractors, such as trainers, laborers, farriers, veterinarians, vendors, etc. Immediate Expensing and Bonus Depreciation: For property placed into service in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the new law increases the maximum amount a taxpayer may deduct (or “expense”) to $1 million, and increases the phase-out threshold to $2.5 million. The “bonus depreciation” deduction for breeding stock, race horses, farm machinery and equipment will now be 100%, an increase from the former 50% rate, for property placed in service after September 27, 2017. This applies to new or used property purchased by the taxpayer. (Starting in 2023, the bonus depreciation deduction will go down to 80%.) Estate Tax: The long-disputed estate tax has been modified so that the exemption for married couples will be $10.98 million, compared to the former exemption of $5.49 million. This will greatly reduce the number of family businesses susceptible to the estate tax. New Corporate Tax Rate: For operations conducted as C corporations, the new law reduces the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. Many large breeders and ranchers, as well as racetracks, conduct business as C corporations. Limitation on Losses: There are stricter rules for deducting losses. The maximum amount of taxable income that can be offset with net operating loss (NOL) deductions is generally reduced from 100% to 80%. NOLs can be carried forward indefinitely. However, NOLs can no longer be carried ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

back to an earlier year, except for certain farming losses, which can be carried back for two years. The “hobby-loss” rules remain the same in terms of the taxpayer's need to prove that the activity is engaged in for profit if there is a history of losses. This means that, as before, it is important not only to keep records to prepare accurate income tax returns, but to also keep records that measure your activity's financial performance. The IRS is already grappling with a prolonged funding cut, a staff reduced by 23% since 2010, and outdated computers. The IRS will need to write countless guidelines and regulations to clarify key terms and concepts in the new law, as well as design new forms. Thus, enforcement and auditing capabilities are likely to drop signifi-cantly. Call Mr. Cohan if you have problems with the IRS. He can be reached at: (310) 278-0203, or visit his website at www.cohanlawoffice.com

Find Ayla! Ayla is a Leopard Appaloosa mare, and she is the mascot for our “Youth Spot” Section.

Find Ayla & Win $25! Each month, we hide a smaller image of Ayla within the pages of Saddle Up! Magazine. When you find her, mail us a post card or email us with the page that you “spotted” her on and you will be entered to win $25.00! Email: saddleup@voyager.net Address: 8415 Hogan Rd., Fenton, MI 48430 Please include your age and address so we may mail your winnings, if you win.

Congratulations to our January winner, Julia F. from Goodrich, MI! Contest Rules: Ages 14 & under only. One entry per month, per person. Entry will be entered in our random drawing of all correct answers. Deadline for entry: the 20th of each month. (18)

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Horses are very much here-and-now animals. We humans stand to learn a lot from horses on this subject. Have you ever tried to train a horse to trailer load when you had limited time to load and get somewhere? Have you ever had a normally easy-to-catch horse stick his tail up in the air and run around for twenty minutes on the day you were pinched for time? I rest my case. Sometimes going slower with horses is very literal. Slowing down your body language and reactiveness when you are doing groundwork, will almost always have the effect of softening the horse's response. Slowing down your hands when using rein aids, literally moving them slower, will improve the responsiveness of your horse. Try it. Going slowly in the training of a horse means that we take small baby steps; we walk before we run and we don't skip steps. We follow the important tenants of classical horsemanship, which have proven to be a successful recipe for training horses for thousands of years. We teach foundational skills before asking for complex maneuvers. Trying to teach a horse collection, before he has mastered the most fundamental skill of a riding horse--to move freely and willingly forward--will never work. There are many seemingly simple skills of a riding horse that riders are often impatient to learn, like collection, flying lead changes and side passing. Rarely have I done a clinic (in the past 30 years) where a rider didn't state one of these skills as a desired outcome for the clinic. Each of these skills require the horse (and therefore the rider) to master many foundational skills, a pre-flight checklist so to speak, which may take weeks and months to achieve. Only the most dedicated riders will devote the time needed to build the proper foundation for that skill and not get frustrated with how many steps are required to get there. Stages of Learning – For both humans and horses, when mastering a new skill, there are stages of learning that describe how the individual typically advances through a predictable series of learning stages before mastering the skill. At first, the student (twolegged or four-legged) is halting and uncertain in using the skill, but gradually, through practice and guidance, the individual becomes more proficient and confident in the skill. When we partner with horses, both horse and human are sometimes learning the skill for the first time together, and both animals have to move through the stages. With horses, it usually works best when one individual has already mastered the skill. In other words, if the rider does not know the skill, let's say how to cue for and ride the canter, she will move through the stages must faster on a horse that has already mastered this skill. If the horse knows nothing about cantering with a rider on its back, it's best trained by a rider that has already mastered cueing for and riding the canter. The hierarchy of learning a new skill involves acquisition, fluency, generalization and adaptation. While this is common knowledge among educators of humans, it's also highly applicable to the training of horses. Let's look at the most fundamental skill of a riding horse – to go forward. The very first time we ride that young horse, we have to teach it to go, turn and stop, but at first, he knows absolutely nothing. So, you flap your legs, cluck, wave your arms and otherwise apply pressure until the horse takes a step forward--then you immediately release the pressure, praise, and hopefully the horse learned something. The next time you ask that horse to move forward and it only takes a

Slower is Faster with Horses by Julie Goodnight Let's face it, we've become a society of instant gratification. From fast food, to fake nails, we like immediate results. Unfortunately, this quest for instant results carries over to horsemanship too, from flying lead changes, to side-passing, to collection. Skills that riders everywhere hope to master, yet aren't willing to “do the time.” Horses and riding sports don't mix well with instant gratification. Riding is a sport that takes years and decades for the human to master. And horses are not animals that react well to rushing and cutting corners. In most cases, slowing down will get you there faster with horses. When training is rushed, and important steps are missed, mastering even the simplest skill can seem impossible. Without question, when it comes to training horses, cutting corners always results in holes in your horse's training, which will come back to haunt you at the most inconvenient time. Undoing poor training is much harder and way more time consuming than training an untarnished horse the same skill. Cutting corners will cost you more time overall, which is why for thousands of years, horse trainers have known that slower is better when it comes to horses. Horses are Fast Learners. People ...Not So Much – Although horses are incredibly fast learners (a by-product of being flight animals and prey animals), there's a significant difference between acquiring a new skill and mastering that skill. The challenge with horses is that how fast they learn and how fast they master any given skill is directly related to the effectiveness and consistency (skill level) of the rider or handler. Because horses are prey animals, they are highly sensitive and they feel all kinds of pressure (physical, mental, environmental) keenly. Therefore, we apply pressure and release it to train them (negative reinforcement refers to the removal of pressure). Two factors dictate how quickly the horse learns: timing and pressure. A timely release/reward comes within one second; using adequate pressure – neither too little nor too much – requires excellent judgment and ability from the rider. With good timing and adequate pressure, the horse learns rapidly. If he is not, or he is learning the wrong things, you must consider the human side of the equation. Because horses are such fast learners, they unfortunately learn the wrong things just as quickly as they learn the right things. The horse may learn to perform the skill incorrectly because the rider inadvertently released the horse at the exact wrong moment. I see this a lot in teaching complex maneuvers like pivot on the haunches. The horse takes one or two good steps in the pivot, the rider gets greedy and asks for more, then the horse steps incorrectly and the rider releases him. I see riders asking for collection or some sort of headset, but instead of releasing that horse the instant he's giving the correct response, they hold the horse too long until he starts resisting, then release him, training the horse to throw his head up. Whatever your horse is doing at the moment you release him, is what you just trained him to do. “My horse is having problems with this,” is code for, “I taught my horse the wrong thing.” Why Slower is Faster – Getting in a hurry rarely works with horses. Their perspective of time is much different from the average human, who tends to think in the future and dwell in the past, but is rarely present in the moment. We always have a plan, an agenda, and a schedule to adhere to. Horses don't. ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

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little wiggle of your legs and a couple clucks before he steps off, your horse has just acquired a new skill. The next phase the horse moves through is fluency, and that will take some time; how long, depends on the skill of the rider. Although the horse has acquired the skill, he is still tentative and slow to respond. As he becomes more fluent, his response time increases, your cues get lighter, and he becomes more confident. Now the horse moves off with a slight closing of the rider's leg. Then we reach one of the most challenging and time-consuming phases when it comes to training horses, and that is generalization. This phase is not complete until the horse can perform the skill in any situation or any setting. No matter where you are or how emotionally your horse has become, he still responds accurately and promptly to the cue and performs the skill. Since horses are very location-specific in what they learn, having to perform the skill in many various locations requires a lot of time and effort. You can train a horse to perform to a very high level at home and practice for years, then take him somewhere else to perform, only to have him fall apart and become non-responsive (or worse). A generalized horse is what we call a “seasoned” horse – he's been hauled around and learned to perform his skills at the same level away from home that he does at home. This can take years. Adaptation occurs when the horse or human is so accurate and confident in using the skill, that it can be applied to new and unique situations and the horse will adapt his skills to the demands of the new situation. Think about the high-level cross-country jumping horse, who adapts the jumping skills that he learned in an arena starting with ground poles and cavaletti, and now he gallops boldly through a course he has never seen, jumping huge, scary obstacles, landing blindly in potentially hazardous footing like a water obstacle. He can adapt his jumping skills to any type of obstacle, in any situation, even one he has never experienced. Teaching Complex Maneuvers – Complex maneuvers are almost anything that we teach a horse beyond stop, start, and steer. Advanced maneuvers generally require putting two or more foundational skills together to perform the maneuver, like collection, leg-yielding, side-passing, pivots on the forehand and haunches, lead changes, jumping, rollbacks, and the like. One of the earliest complex maneuvers we encounter in the training of a riding horse is the canter departure. Before that horse learns to step off quietly and smoothly from a walk into a canter on whichever lead asked, there are many smaller steps which take time to accomplish. Knowing what the smaller steps are, being able to break down that skill into the smallest steps, and being willing to spend whatever time it takes at each step of the way, are the hallmarks of success in training horses. Precursor skills always exist in complex maneuvers. For instance, before a horse and rider can flawlessly perform a flying lead change on command, they must both be able to execute walk-to-canter transitions on the correct lead 100% of the time; halt-to-canter transitions, dead-leaded; collection at the canter; an obedient and balanced counter-canter; haunches-in walk, trot and canter; leg yielding walk, trot and canter; etc. When you take the time to accomplish these lesser skills, flying lead changes are easy. Because horses are very fast learners, acquisition of a skill can (and should) happen fast. But one response does not make a habit. How fast a horse moves through the stages of learning is directly ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

Photo credit: Melissa Arnold

proportionate to the talent of the rider. Whether it takes a day, a week, or a month to get fluent in a skill, fluency must occur before moving on to the next phase. This is true of each smaller step or precursor skill. When you try to fast forward though any stage of a horse's training by skipping steps, you end up training the wrong response to the horse. For all the complex maneuvers that we train horses to do, physical strength, stamina and coordination are required--that takes weeks and months to develop, not hours or days. While most of the maneuvers we ask horses to perform are movements they can do naturally, packing the weight of the rider (who is often getting in the way of the horse) makes it much more difficult for the horse. Pushing a horse faster than his physical strength and coordination can develop generally results in a burned-out horse, an injured horse, or both. It's no wonder that slower is faster when it comes to horses and learning to ride. When both the horse and the rider are learning new skills together, it will take even longer. It's important to strive for correctness in training, which means releasing at the right moment, and making sure that you are giving the correct cues and training the correct response. Quality versus quantity. Beyond precision, it's important to be patient, to slow down your actions and expectations – to walk before you run. The ability to break down complex maneuvers into the smallest steps and then refine each step, to build a solid foundation, is one of the most crucial factors in successful horse training. This requires a lot of knowledge and a high skill level; if you do not possess the knowledge and skills yourself, you need help from someone who does. You can find that help at: JulieGoodnight.com/Academy. Enjoy the ride! Julie Goodnight, Trainer and Clinician About Julie Goodnight: Goodnight is the popular RFD-TV host of Horse Master airing Monday nights. Goodnight travels the USA sharing her no-nonsense horsemanship training with riders of all disciplines. Goodnight has ridden in many different saddles – she's experienced in dressage and jumping, racing, reining, cow horse, colt-starting, and wilderness riding. Goodnight grew up on the hunter-jumper circuits in Florida, but is now at home in the West. She and her husband, Rich Moorhead, live in the mountains in Salida, Colorado. Both love versatility ranch horse competitions and riding cow-horses. Explore her online library and many training videos at http://TV. JulieGoodnight.com; be sure to sign up for the free monthly training news at http://JulieGoodnight.com and please subscribe to the free YouTube channel at http://YouTube.com/JulieGoodnight. (21)

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Premium Metal Works Welding & Machining Metamora, MI

(810) 678-8624 Monday through Friday 7:00am-4:30pm

ALL TRAILERS WELCOME! • Aluminum Welding • Ramp Spring Replacement • Window & Door Replacement • Custom Interiors • Trailer Repair & Maintenance • Custom Aluminum & Stainless Hay Racks

www.PremiumMetalWorks.com

Willowbrooke Farms BOARDING, LESSONS, TRAINING, SALES, SHIPPING, SHOWING & SUMMER CAMPS ** WINTER SERIES HUNTER/JUMPER SCHOOLING SHOWS 2017/2018 ** (walk-trot through 3’3” hunters/jumpers/equitation – series awards for those attending 3 of 7 shows)

January 13 • February 10 • March 24 • April 29 (WBF Finals) ** WINTER SERIES DRESSAGE SHOWS 2017/2018 ** (all levels welcome, show clothes not necessary – series awards for those attending 3 of 6 shows)

February 3 • March 17 • April 14 (Finals/Year End Awards) We offer the Western Dressage tests! FOR ALL SHOWS: Please call ahead for stabling, as it is limited and usually sells out. Prize List for series available at www.willowbrooke-farm.com. For hunter shows we post class counts/results on www.horseshowing.com

HORSES FOR SALE: We are part of the CANTER (Thoroughbred re-homing) program and have a dozen nice horses available. Prices range from $1,000-$60,000. BOARDING: Located on 45 acres with lots of turnout (flex-fence), automatic waterers outside, 2 indoor arenas (65x200 and 100x200), outdoor arena, 10x12 stalls, tack rooms, wash rack, observation room with Absopure water cooler, refrigerator, microwave, TV/ DVD player, restrooms, large parking lot. Quality feed program, professional staff.

Cell (313) 938-9221 Barn (734) 737-0899 7461 Brookville Rd. Fax (734) 737-0408 Plymouth, MI 48170 More information, class list, entries are available at www.willowbrooke-farm.com

Owner/Trainer: Jennifer Blades

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Home of the U of M Equestrian Team and WBF IEA Team WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

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March 9, 10 & 11, 2018 www.MichiganHorseExpo.com

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Saddle Up! Magazine News Briefs

EQUINE AFFAIRE'S “RIDE WITH A PRO” CLINIC Elevate your equestrian experience this spring at Equine Affaire – North America's premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering. The 2018 Equine Affaire will take place at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus on April 12-15 and offers horse enthusiasts not only the opportunity to attend literally hundreds of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations, but also to participate in dozens of clinics on a wide range of equestrian disciplines. Through Equine Affaire's unique “Ride With A Pro” clinic program, you can ride, drive, and have your horse trained in clinics conducted by many of the nation's foremost coaches, competitors, judges, and horse trainers – for clinic fees designed to fit your budget. The Clinics and Clinicians Most of the clinicians who will be featured at the 2018 Equine Affaire will be participating in the “Ride With a Pro” program and accepting horses and riders for their clinic sessions. Whether your equestrian tastes lean toward the English disciplines or are solidly in the western realm – or you simply want to improve your riding skills or your horse's performance, you can enhance your riding and training skills through individual instructions in this unique program of clinics. Among those who will be presenting sessions on general horse training and horsemanship topics are Ken McNabb, Warwick Schiller, James Cooler, Dan James, and Van Hargis. Clinicians offering sessions in the English disciplines will include Jan Ebeling and Stephen Hayes (dressage), Lynn Symansky (eventing), Jeff Cook (hunter/ jumper), Bob Giles (driving), Keith Miller (hunter under saddle) and Liz Bentley (English/hunter pleasure). Those conducting clinics on western disciplines will include Stacy Westfall (reining), and Nancy Cahill (western horsemanship and trail). Larry Whitesell will present sessions on training and riding easy gaited horses, Sandy Croote will teach techniques for training Miniature

horses, and Ty Evans will conduct sessions on training and riding mules. Clinic fees and how to apply The modest fees for Equine Affaire's “Ride With A Pro” clinic program range from $70 to $150 and cover clinic participation, stabling, and admission to Equine Affaire. Clinicians will select the participants for their sessions from written applications and videos submitted by applicants to Equine Affaire. While some are seeking riders and horses with specific skills or problems to demonstrate and resolve during their clinics, others are seeking any riders interested in improving their general horsemanship and relationships with their horses. The 2018 Equine Affaire will offer a wide range of learning opportunities – and you and your horse may be the ideal participants for one or more sessions. Full clinic details and a “Ride With A Pro” application are available online at www. equineaffaire.com. Click on the Ohio event and follow the “Participate” link to information on the “Ride With A Pro” program. Interested riders and horse owners may also request an information packet and clinic application by contacting Beth Volpe at bvolpe@equineaffaire.com or by calling (740) 845-0085 ext. 103. Consult www. equineaffaire.com for continuously-updated information on the program. Contact Equine Affaire soon; the application deadline is February 20th. In addition to Equine Affaire's legendary program of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations, the 2018 show will feature the largest horse-related trade show in the nation with hundreds of retailers covering acres of exhibit space; the Fantasia, Equine Affaire's signature musical celebration of the horse–sponsored by Absorbine®–on Thursday thru Saturday nights; an engaging and hands-on Breed Pavilion and Horse & Farm Exhibits area; a new Your Farm Forum with exhibits and presentations focused on the horse's home and environment; the Equine Fundamentals Forum; and the popular Versatile Horse & Rider Competition on Friday afternoon. For everything you need to know to go including an event schedule, ticket information, and discounts available at Equine Affaire nearby host hotels, visit www.equineaffaire.com.

Online at: www.saddleupmag.com

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HARMONY ACRES IN DETROIT PARADE Harmony Acres celebrated their 25th silver anniversary of riding in America's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, MI. Included in the group are two of our original horses Tarifa and Diamond who are still actively participating in parades and enjoying trail riding. They are joined in the photograph with Detroit team mascots Paws from the Detroit Tigers, Roary of the Lions Football team, and Hooper from the Pistons, who shares posts on his Facebook page of Tarifa playing basketball, as he does. We have met with these mascots at many other parades in Michigan over the years and have gotten to be great friends. Visit Harmony Acres of Facebook at: https:// www.facebook.com/HarmonyAcresArabian ParadeHorses/

SENIOR HORSE SYMPOSIUM The 2018 Senior Horse Symposium is being held March 21 at the Van Buren Conference Center in Lawrence, MI. It will take place from 5:30-9:00 pm at the center, which is located at 490 S. Paw Paw Street. This is the first year for the event, which is being sponsored by Fedore Veterinary Services, The Animated Horse Equine Massage & Bodywork, and Equi-Analytical Labs. It is being hosted by www.equine seniors.com, a website devoted to the care and showing of equine senior horses. At 5:30 pm, Dr. Richard K. Balsbaugh, an equine nutrition expert for ADM Feeds, will give the keynote presentation covering senior horse nutrition and troubleshooting common feeding problems with older horses. Balsbaugh, who has an Animal Science degree from Purdue University, and a MasWWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

Saddle Up! Magazine News Briefs SENIOR HORSE SYMPOSIUM, continued ters and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, has been involved in the livestock /specialty animal industry for 35 years. Thirty of these years have been with ADM/ Moor-Man Manufacturing Company. He has been involved in updating ADM’s equine Forage First feed products and helped to develop several new equine top dress supplements. Dr. Balsbaugh’s focus is on providing highquality, research-supported nutritional products for horses of all life stages and performance levels by “doing what's right for the horse”. At 6:30 pm, Dr. Jessica Balsis, a DVM with Two by Two Animal Hospital in Berrien Springs, MI, and blacksmith Paul Tucker will lead a panel discussion on “Keeping The Senior Horse Mobile.” Balsis, who specializes in equine lameness, graduated from Michigan State University with her DVM in 2008. She also teaches a pre-veterinary course at Andrews University and is very active showing her champion Morgan horses. Paul Tucker is the owner of Tucker’s Farrier Service of Cassopolis, MI. He specializes in corrective shoeing – including Navicular and Laminitis work. The last panel of the evening is “Showing & Competing With An Equine Senior Horse.” The panel starts at 7:30 pm and will be led by Karen Waite and Laurie Cerny. It will cover maintenance of senior show horses, as well as strategies to stay competitive with during the show season. Waite is an equine Extension specialist at Michigan State University and teaches and advises equine students in the MSU Department of Animal Science. In her role with Michigan State University Extension she coordinates the Adult Equine Extension Program and is the Director of Leadership Development for My Horse University. She also oversees the Youth Equine Extension program. She teaches a variety of equine courses and is faculty advisor to the MSU Equestrian team and Horsemen's Association. Waite also oversees the Michigan 4-H PEP Program, for riders with disabilities. She is the past president of the American Youth Horse Council, President of the Michigan Quarter Horse Association and is a carded judge with the ABRA, and POAC. Waite has Bachelor’s Degrees in Education and Animal

Science, and a Master's Degree in Animal Science with a nutrition emphasis, as well as a Doctoral degree in Sports Psychology with an emphasis on equestrian sport and activity. Cerny has successfully competed with several senior horses. She currently shows a 17-year-old mare in American Ranch Horse Association (ARHA), American Buckskin Registry Association (ABRA), and International Buckskin Horse Association (IBHA) approved shows. She has won multiple yearend class and division championships. The pair has also competed at both the ARHA and IBHA world shows for the past two years and earned several Top Five and Top Ten Honors there. Admission to the symposium is free, but a RSVP is recommended to ensure a seat. These can be reserved by calling (269) 657 3842, or by email equineseniors@aol.com.

UHC ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM “OPERATION CHIP” Starting in 2018, the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) will be offering a new service to its popular Operation Gelding program called “Operation Chip.” “The industry as a whole is moving towards micro-chipping as the preferred method of identification,” said UHC Director Ashley Furst. “Initially, organizations hosting Operation Gelding clinics will be eligible to apply for microchips for Operation Chip. Eventually we hope to expand the program to be able to offer rescue organizations the opportunity to apply for just the chips to be inserted into the horses in their care. Micro-chipping horses in rescue organizations is one of the best ways to be able to track them through the system, as well as give the industry the ability to reunite them with their owner in the case of a natural disaster.” The UHC has partnered with MicrochipID Equine to provide the microchips for the program. The chips provided will come with a chip syringe, as well as a pre-paid registration card, and the veterinarian providing

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the gelding services at the clinic will be responsible for inserting the chips. “In order to ensure the horses are getting registered, the UHC will also be covering the cost of registration for each chip that is put into a horse,” said Furst. “A survey of rescues that have participated in Operation Gelding showed that only 50% of rescues are scanning horses for chips upon intake. The cost of scanners can be prohibitive for rescues, so as a result, the UHC will also be providing eligible 501c3 rescues with an opportunity to apply for a deeply discounted scanner.” The UHC is able to provide the scanners and chips to participants due to the generosity of “The Right Horse Initiative.” “The Right Horse Initiative is proud to support the UHC in its efforts to provide a more robust identification system in equine welfare,” said Christy Counts, President of The Right Horse. “Lack of identification is a major barrier to safe transitions for horses in this country. Providing easy access to micro-chipping for horse owners and horse rescues is a relatively easy and inexpensive solution to achieving our collaborative goal of providing opportunities for at-risk horses.” Information about “Operation Chip” and how to apply can be found on the UHC website at: http://www.unwantedhorsecoalition. org/operation-chip / . For any questions, please contact UHC Director Ashley Furst at 202-846-1607 or email her at: afurst@ horsecouncil.org.

SADDLE UP! MAGAZINE NEWS Windows is no longer updating Windows Live Mail, so we are switching to a Google (gmail) email effective immediately. Our new email will be: saddleupmag@gmail.com Mackenzie Gray, my assistant of three years will no longer be with Saddle Up! Magazine. She has accepted a full time position with a computer software company. I wish her great success, and I will not only miss her assistance, but her friendship as well. Best wishes everyone! Cindy Couturier, owner/editor WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

good omega fatty acid profile in the diet. Uckele Health & Nutrition, maker of CocoSoya®, offers formulas to support winter nutritional needs. Psyllium is a great fiber source as a bulking and binding agent. It forms a gelatinous mass that helps keep waste moving through the intestines and prevents blockages such as those caused by sand. CocoEQ Family: CocoSoya®, CocoOmega, and CocoSun Oils and Granulars. Healthy fats benefit weight gain or maintenance simply because they are very calorie dense. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can help manage hard or easy keepers and improve the appeal of any meal while boosting the shine of skin, coat, and hoof quality. Absorb All supports the intestinal tract to promote healthy gut flora, proper gut pH, and digestive and bowel health. Combines high levels of digestive enzymes, beneficial probiotics, and microbial fermentation ingredients. Dr. Eleanor Kellon, staff veterinary specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition, is an established authority in the field of equine nutrition for over 30 years, and a founding member and leader of the Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance (ECIR) group, whose mission is to improve the welfare of horses with metabolic disorders via integration of research and real-life clinical experience. Prevention of laminitis is the ultimate goal. www.ecirhorse.com Uckele Health & Nutrition, maker of CocoSoya, is an innovation-driven health company committed to making people and their animals healthier. On the leading edge of nutritional science and technology for over 50 years, Uckele formulates and manufactures a full spectrum of quality nutritional supplements incorporating the latest nutritional advances. Online at www.uckele.com

Fine Tuning Winter Feeding by Dr. Eleanor Kellon Plenty is written about the basics of winter feeding, including: · Lots of hay/fiber · Increase calories to compensate for energy lost staying warm · Feed salt · Constant water at a comfortable temperature for drinking These things are critically important for all horses to help prevent weight loss and impaction. However, it doesn't stop there for special needs horses. Low moisture winter feedstuffs are also a risk factor for choke in older horses in general, especially if their chewing efficiency is poor. Soaking meals helps, but isn't always enough when the horse does not chew well. The saliva produced during normal chewing is rich in mucin (’myoosen) which lubricates the food bolus on its way through the esophagus. Adding psyllium to wet meals can help replace the lubricating effect of mucin. It has a very high soluble fiber content which adds a slippery/slimy texture to the food. That's not particularly appealing to us, but horses eat it right up. Regular use of psyllium also has a prebiotic effect in the large intestine. Speaking of the large intestine, for these high forage diets to do any good they have to be efficiently fermented. That takes a vibrant thriving population of organisms. There are many horses, older horses in particular, but younger ones as well, that do not handle high fiber hays well. A common sign of this is fluid leaking around formed manure. You may also see some bloating/distention and difficulty holding weight even with generous feeding. This can be turned around with prebiotics that easily digest fiber, like the psyllium above, combined with high potency gut support. Digestive enzymes (lipase, protease, amylase) help insure that protein, fat and starch are digested and absorbed in the small intestine so they do not reach the large intestine where they can be disruptive to fermentation. High concentrations of active yeast and probiotic organisms as well as fermentation products produce a favorable environment for effective fiber fermentation in the large intestine. One of the most difficult situations to handle is the horse that still cannot maintain a healthy weight despite high rates of feeding and digestive tract support. The horse does not have to be grossly fat to benefit from the heat conserving effects of a normal fat layer. Enough fat to cover the ribs and keep the bones from obviously protruding will do it. If your horse cannot maintain that much weight, the cold will be much harder on him. Grains are the next step up in terms of calorie density, but some horses do not tolerate them well for metabolic reasons, while others pass too much undigested into the large intestine where it causes more harm than good. Supplemental fat can be the solution. Caloric density is very high and converting dietary fat to body fat is done efficiently. Coconut oil is particularly easy to metabolize and is by far the most appetizing. Even cats can't resist it! Incorporating flax oil or full fat flax or chia seeds also replaces key essential omega fatty acids lost when grass is cured to make hay. New choices, like high oleic sunflower oil, are both metabolically healthful and compatible with maintaining a ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

MOORE’S MONTHLY HORSE & TACK AUCTION 1st Saturday of each month starting at 6pm with tack, horses to follow

Held at the farm 11771 US-223, Onsted, MI 49265

For information call Tom Moore (517) 467-7576 (26)

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Saginaw County Fair Horse Department presents...

“Gypsy Flea Cowboy Couture”

The Meets

TACK SALE & EDUCATIONAL DAY FREE Equine Workshops

March 3, 2018 10am-4pm Saginaw County Fairgrounds

11:00 am to 2:00 pm Get ready for the Show Season!

11350 Peet Road Chesaning, MI 48616

Buy & Sell New & Used Rental Fee: $25 per 10x10 space, $10 tables, $5 electricity Set-up starts at 7:00 am March 3

1 Admission – Silent Auction! ~

(989) 845-2143 • Online at: www.saginawcountyfair.org If you are interested in being a vendor, please fill this out and mail with payment no later than February 28, 2018 to: Saginaw County Horse Department, P.O. Box 449, 11350 Peet Road, Chesaning, MI 48616 Name Address

City

Phone

State

Zip

Description of items to be sold Spaces Total due

@ $25 each

Tables $10

Electricity $5

Check #

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Please make checks payable to:

Saginaw County Horse Department

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Trail Riding's Most Wanted by Robert “TrailMeister” Eversole |www.trailmeister.com The advice that I usually write about is geared towards avoiding mistakes. But what defines a mistake? And how do you recognize one? After all, one person's gaffe could be another's routine. Many drivers, for example, don't wear seat belts. And those folks do just fine – until they wreck. Before the accident, the mistake wasn't visible to them. If it were, they would have buckled up. Instead it was a bad habit that they didn't recognize. And because they didn't see it, they didn't fix it. Human nature encourages us to pursue the path of least resistance, which often means doing things the same old (and maybe wrong) way until we get caught. How does this affect those of us who play outdoors? Horse and mule riders practice bad habits just like everyone else. In fact, trail veterans who follow a “that's the way I've always done it…” attitude are some of the worst offenders. Maybe at one time you could empty the trailer wherever you wanted, but not anymore. The same goes with weed free feeds and burning trash. To become better and safer trail riders, we need to recognize which of our outdoor habits are mistakes. These are bad decisions we make while planning trips, packing gear, or riding the trail. And while not wearing a seat belt seems like an obvious error, some of the most common outdoor blunders are just as knuckle-headed. How do you uncover your own bad habits? You've got to examine your pre-trip and on-trail routines. Or better yet, ask your friends and hiking partners for feedback and advice. To get started, here are three of trail riding's most wanted mistakes. Not leaving information with a responsible person Always tell someone where you're going, the route you plan to take, and when you expect to be back. And here's the important part: Do it for every trip, not just the ones you think are dangerous. Whether you plan your ride a week ahead or wake up with an itch for the trail, taking a few extra minutes to sketch out an itinerary is always worth it. Creating a plan and leaving it with friends or family is a safety basic, and one to cultivate into a habit. It prevents unnecessary anxiety and, in an emergency, will save precious time for search and rescue responders. You can find our “Ride Itinerary Form” to download at https://www.trailmeister.com/trail-ride-itinerary/ Creating an itinerary also forces you to think about, and include, a backup plan. If you ride regularly, it's inevitable that something – from wildfire to a washout to a full trail head – will force you to change your plan on the fly. Riding without a map The difference between a complacent and a clever trail rider is realizing you don't need a map, but bringing one anyway. When do experienced riders get lost? Not the first time they explore a new trail with a good map in hand. And not the 100th time, when they know the route well. The danger zone is the second, third or fourth outing, when overconfident riders convince themselves they don't need a map, but actually do. Miss a crucial turn or gamble on a short-cut, and an easy trail quickly becomes a maze of doubt. Forgetting a headlamp You might be planning “just a day ride.” Take a hint from the “Gilli©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

gan's Island” crew who expected a three-hour tour, and got 99 episodes instead! A thousand unforeseen problems could strand you on the trail after sunset. Remembering to pack a 3-ounce headlamp or flashlight can prevent a wretched overnight in the woods. Once you’ve had that experience, you won’t ever forget a flashlight again. Not checking your cinch Think of the cinch or girth on your saddle like your seat belt in your car. The cinch is what keeps your horses' saddle properly placed on his back. While I'm sure you always check the horses cinch before you mount the horse, often times the cinch will loosen up during a ride, as the animal warms up. Fight the urge to say, “it'll be ok.” It won't. Re-adjust the saddle and tighten the cinch. As always, for more tips on trail riding and camping with equines, and the world's largest and most accurate horse trail and camp guide website visit www.TrailMeister.com

Looking for More Comfort and Security from your Trail Saddle? You owe it to yourself to try an Australian Saddle! We have several for you to come and try. Call us!

Booking Training, Lessons & Clinics Learn how Tim builds a horse’s confidence & trust!

QUALITY HORSES FOR SALE We always have a good selection of well broke, trail horses for sale. Call Tim for more details.

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When I draw slack from the reins, I like the horse to feel the movement of the mouthpiece first, poll pressure second, and pressure on the chin groove third because it allows ample time for him to respond to increasing pressure. A finished horse will respond to the movement of the mouthpiece, allowing cues on a drape rein, but it is very important to use slow hands and adjust the bit properly, so the horse feels these “phases of pressure” (especially while moving from the snaffle to the curb in training). The final consideration when selecting curb bits is the port – the area in the center of the mouthpiece that raises off the tongue as the bit rotates by rein pressure. The port provides tongue relief because as the rider pulls back on the reins, the horse's tongue moves inside the port, displacing pressure to the bars of the mouth. Some horses prefer this type of bit and respond well to it while others don't. A port does not come into contact with the roof of the horse's mouth (palate pressure) until it reaches a certain size (greater than approx. 2 inches) and is dependent upon how tight the curb strap is adjusted. The high port found in correction and cathedral bits should only be used on highly trained horses by riders with the knowledge to use them correctly. The function of a high port is to bump the roof of the horse's mouth, resulting in a lowered head and flexion at the poll with minimal rein pressure. This response is learned by the horse over the course of many months from trainers with expert hands. I hope this information comes in handy for you as you go out to your tack room and choose a bit to ride your horse in! Please feel free to email me if you have further questions about bits, or stop by Held Equestrian Center at Albion College for a visit. Nathan Horsman, western team head coach at Albion College, is an AQHA Professional Horseman and Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) master instructor, and a popular clinician across the U.S., working with non-pro and amateur horses and riders. He can be reached at NHorsman@albion.edu.

Curb Bits By Nathan Horsman, Western Team Head Coach, Albion College Last month we talked about the snaffle bit, how it works, and some different designs, so let's move on to the curb (leverage) bit. Remember, the snaffle has a 1 to 1 ratio because the reins, cheek piece, and curb strap (if used) attach to the same ring, resulting in direct pressure with no leverage. The curb, however, is a little more complicated: Because the reins attach to a shank below the mouthpiece and the bridle attaches to the purchase above it, the curb is a leverage bit. A basic way to calculate leverage is the purchase-to-shank ratio. If the purchase is one inch (from center of mouthpiece to the top of ring) and the shank is four inches (from center of mouthpiece to the bottom of the ring), it's a 1 to 4 ratio, meaning that for every one pound of pressure on the reins, the horse feels four pounds of pressure in his mouth. That is the basic way to understand the curb bit. Things get more complex when you examine the shank style, length of purchase, how tight the curb chain/strap is, and the mouthpiece style. Before using a curb, I check the diameter of the mouthpiece the same as the snaffle. This article will focus on a solid mouth curb with a small port and swept back shanks (also known as grazing bit). Let's begin with the influential pressure points: Like the snaffle, the curb applies pressure on the tongue and the bars of the mouth (the space between the incisors and molars). The curb also applies pressure on the chin groove (via the curb chain/strap) and the poll. The amount of pressure applied to these points relates to the ratio of leverage, shank angle, and how tight/loose the curb strap is. Pictured here is a solid mouth grazing bit with a 1 to 4 ratio. (It's called a grazing bit because the shanks make it comfortable for the horse to graze while working a full day on a ranch.) When shanks are swept backward, it reduces the amount of pull the rider can put on the horse's mouth. (The straighter the shanks, the more pull the rider has.) A longer, straighter shank also increases the amount of poll pressure, as will a bit with a longer purchase. The curb's shank can be either a solid cheek or it can swivel. Shanks may be straight, have a gentle sweep, acute sweep, or pattern (S shank, 7 shank, cavalry shank). Shank length determines the bit's severity, so a straight shank – in comparison to a curved – acts quicker. A longer shank produces more leverage, but is slower acting. The ratio of the purchase to the amount of shank below the mouthpiece also determines bit severity, so the more shank below the mouthpiece, the more leverage the bit has. Bits that have broken mouthpieces and/or swivel cheeks are also slower acting and provide the horse with a preparatory signal. As for the curb strap, the tighter it is, the more pressure it applies to the chin groove. For the standard curb, I adjust the strap to allow two fingers comfortably between the horse's jaw and the strap. This allows 30 to 45 degree movement in the bit before it takes effect. ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

Albion’s equestrians train out of the college’s Nancy G. Held Equestrian Center, which spans 340 acres and is the only on campus equestrian center at a private college in Michigan. The Held Center offers student horse boarding in addition to housing the collegiate riding program. Visit Albion College online at: www.albion.edu (30)

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2018 Oakland County Tack Sale **Hosted by Oakland County 4-H Horse Council**

Saturday, February 17, 2018 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Springfield Oaks Activity Center 12451 Andersonville Road, Davisburg, MI 48350

Admission $1 10 x 10 SPACE $35.00, 4-H CLUBS $25.00 Name:

Business/Club Name:

Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Zip Code:

Email: Set-Up Begins 8:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17th and must be completed by 10:00 a.m. when doors open! # 10x10 spaces

x $35.00 = $

# of 4-H spaces

# extra table & chair sets (1 table/2 chairs included with each space)

x $25.00 = $ x $10.00 = $

Please make check payable to Oakland County 4-H Horse Council and send to: (Registration & Payment must be received by 2/9!!) Debbie Morgan, Oakland County 4-H/MSU Tollgate 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, MI 48377 For more information please contact Debbie Morgan at 248-347-3860, ext. 279 or morga194@anr.msu.edu MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Debbie Morgan at 248-858-0894 by 2/9/2018 to make arrangements. Requests received after this date will be fulfilled when possible.

Oakland County 4-H Horse Camp – June 17-21, 2018 Improve your horsemanship skills, get ready for show season and have fun!!

4 day overnight camp for kids age 9-19 at Springfield Oaks County Park in Davisburg, MI 3 instructional classes/day, crafts, games and horse care education! Fee: $200 per camper & horse, $185/each for 2 or more, $140/each for 3 or more of same family

Informational Meeting – March 7th, 6:30 p.m. at Springfield Oaks Activity Center 12451Andersonville Road, Davisburg, MI For more info about camp and/or becoming a counselor, email Debbie Morgan at:

morga194@anr.msu.edu or go to: www.oakhc.org MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations.

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MSU’s Horsemen’s Weekend January 13 & 14, 2018 Written by Shelby Agnew, Saddle Up! Magazine Reporter at Large This year's Horsemen's Weekend, a series of seminars followed by a polo demonstration, started bright and early Saturday morning at eight o'clock sharp at the Michigan State University (MSU) Pavilion, East Lansing, MI, organized by the equestrian team. Each hour long equine seminar was held in the auditorium, while the polo demonstration was later performed by the MSU Polo Club in the main arena of the Pavilion. Karen Waite, an MSU professor and horsewoman, held the beginning seminar by discussing MSU Animal Science Programs. She started off by explaining that the university's base has always been agriculture, so it is no surprise that there is a strong back-ground with horses. Like every other college during the 1850s, horses worked the fields and helped construct roads and buildings on campus. In the beginning of the 1900s, MSU started draft horse breeding, primarily Belgians and Percherons. During the middle of the century, many believed that horses were no longer going to be used, so the program dispersed and the college now has only a couple draft horses for teaching purposes. In the late 1930s, W.K. Kellogg gave MSU its first Arabian, leading the university to become the longest reigning Arabian breeding farm. There are currently 68 head of Arabians at the Horse Teaching and Research Center with two full time employees – a manager and a maintenance worker. All of the horses' activities including cleaning, riding, and researching, are conducted by the animal science students who are taking an array of the fourteen courses offered there. Waite added that the students may study equine nutrition, behavior, exercise, physiology, or breeding. Many obtain a major and/or minor in animal science, in addition to a degree in a different field that can later relate to the horse industry such as marketing, public relations, accounting, or managing. As a Quarter Horse owner, Waite does enjoy working with the Arabians, who are highly intelligent and sensitive creatures. Waite later pointed out that the animal science program consists of 578 students, most of them female, a result that subsequently occurs in vet schools. One of the growing areas is the exotic animal program for those that enjoy working with cheetahs or snakes and may desire a career in zoos. The professor highlighted that MSU has many options for aspiring veterinarians, especially for those that want to focus on horses.

Karen Waite MSU Professor and Horsewoman

The second clinic was filled in by Waite for Paula Hitzler, covering on how to buy a horse. Waite described that potential horse buyers should consider the long term commitment, routine and illness vet cost, housing, show expenses, and equipment for tack and trailering. If none of these areas pose an issue, the next step is where to find horses to purchase. Waite states that although online and inperson auctions are not the most common way to buy and sell horses, they are becoming increasingly popular. There, horses are often bought for the price that they are worth, but buyer beware. Less reputable auctions that are local, tend not to have horses with x-rays and other proof of soundness that larger regional or national high dollar auctions might provide. Other horses in the industry are sold through trainers or breeders or are listed on the internet – Facebook, Dream Horse, etc., in local horse publications, or trade journals. If a horse is found, the buyer should contact the owner requesting additional pictures, videos, and information that is not in the ad (lameness is important). If the horse still seems interesting, an appointment should be made to see the horse. Waite advises that one should arrive a few minutes early to watch the horse being prepared and check out the condition of the facility, as well as any items that may enhance the horse's performance. In addition, the buyer should watch the horse while it is in its stall and/or pasture and observe the way the horse reacts when tied, tacked, and approached by different people. The buyer should look at the horse's bit and tack along with inquiring whether or not the horse needs to be lunged. While the horse is being ridden, the buyer should take note of the way the horse moves and any underlying behaviour. If the appointment continues to go well, the buyer should ride the horse to assess whether or not they click together. Meanwhile, pictures and videos should be taken and the buyer needs to decide if the horse is suitable for their intended purpose. Even if the horse feels right, Waite warns that no purchase should be made the day of visiting the horse. The buyer should go home to think about the horse, mull it over with someone else, consider additional rides, leases or trial periods, and a pre-purchase exam/vet check before any decision is finalized. Vet checks are beneficial to help cautious buyers make sure that they are getting what they pay for. No horse is perfect, but the buyer needs to be comfortable with any possible health issues, if they intend on buying the horse. Generally, more expensive horses undergo these exams and should not have major issues, but less expensive horses may be more likely to have issues. If the cost of the horse is low enough for a buyer that feels comfortable not spending extra money, a vet check may not be performed.

Michigan 4-H Horse Show Judges Questions and Answers WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

The first brave soul to raise their hand asked “What is the worst thing a judge could see?” The responses varied between abuse and dangerous situations. The judges concurred that after enough years of experience, they can usually predict the horse and riders that will become increasingly dangerous. To prevent an accident, the judge may minimize the amount of time riders trot or lope, especially in bareback classes. The next question was whether or not an exhibitor should look at the judge at the end of showmanship as they are walking out. The judges said no, they are more likely to look for eye contact before the exhibitor officially begins the pattern. Later, a girl inquired if judges prefer someone with confidence, but not perfect accuracy in showmanship, or someone with little confidence, but full accuracy. The answer was well summed up with “If you're accurate, then why not be confident?” The following question was “If a judge is off-pattern in showmanship, where should the exhibitor go?” Judges are human; they make mistakes, so someone should have already corrected their error. In the case that the judge is still not deemed right, then the pattern should be performed as written and remain the same for everybody. The picture may not be drawn to scale, so it is best to follow the written directions and ultimately end up at the judge. Another query was “How are mixed breed shows judged?” This can be tricky since no breed can be judged the same. Instead, the horses should be scored to breed standards since it is the judge's job to know what the full picture should look like for each different type of horse. The panel added that for smaller patterns, big horses can display a higher degree of difficulty if the pattern is carried out flawlessly. Afterwards, someone asked “If you're entering a large rail class, should you make eye contact on the way in?” The judges assented that this is not necessary; they look for a good first impression more than anything. They would rather see confident riders with well fitted and clean tack and a crisp, put together outfit (it does not need to cost a ton of money) in addition to a clean horse that moves out correctly. If a rider forms a positive first impression as they enter the ring (being one of the first or last horses in helps), the judges will be more likely to remember the horse and rider, and look for them as the class continues. The judges also mentioned that during the class, riders should remember to manoeuver the ring to their advantages in order to be in the best possible position for judges to see them. Supplementing the initial question, someone wondered if the judges care whether or not riders have a blank expression, or if it is preferred that they smile. Again, it is all about first impressions, so a natural smile does not hurt; however, there are no points for one's face. It is best to just focus on the horse and not have a negative expression. Changing gears, the next inquiry was if judges get offended if riders school their horses at shows. The responses were mixed. A couple judges do not want to see it, they would rather it happen outside the show pen if necessary. Other judges do not mind, as long as other riders are not disrupted. Later, someone posed “How important are transitions?” The judges stated that fluid transitions are always preferable, but not everything. For junior horses that are still learning their feet, judges tend to be understanding that their transitions may not be perfect yet.

The major key is just whether or not the horse fits the intended purpose and home with the buyer understanding possible health and/or soundness issues. If all is right in the world and the horse is ready to be purchased, a sale contract between the buyer and seller should be created. This should contain both of their basic information, horse details, date of sale, vet check (if one was performed), and condition of the sale horse. Despite the equine buying process being lengthy, these steps help ensure that a positive purchase is made so both horse and new owner can be happy together. The third seminar was about mentally preparing for competition presented by the MSU Stock Seat Team coach, Leesa Massman. She opened with the question “Why? Why are you doing this - why are you showing?” The answer should not be to beat someone else or to just win. Instead, the answer should be to become a better horseman or to better communicate with the horse, the answer should be for fun, for enjoyment of the horse. Massman also states that riders are in a constant state of adjustment, they are always improving no matter their level. Riders should also have a goal, but they should realize that they need to commit at the level that they can. It makes no sense to set a goal that is unrealistic; they should put in the effort that they know is possible for them. Some of the most common setbacks that prevent people from reaching their goals include time, resources (use what you DO have instead), fear, and practice conditions. Any of these can be difficult, but prioritizing and planning is vital. Massman stresses that “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Part of the competition plan is managing what can be controlled: the elimination of distractions, mental and physical prep, a clean outfit and horse, position in the ring, and environment - the warm up area and pit crew. Massman then suggests that riders should let go of what cannot be controlled: weather, judge's opinion, competitors, order of go, and ring conditions. Her strategies entail not wasting time and energy on what one does not want, being prepared for anything that can go wrong, and fear - everyone has it. Fear can cripple riders and terrify their horses, so it cannot be allowed to consume the rider. Massman encourages that riders should prep their “pit crew” before a show. These are the people that aid riders in preparing for competition; they are the moms and dads, the trainer or coaches, or just friends that are all willing to help. They should let the rider focus on the task at hand and know their specific job (not everyone can grab water and hair-spray). There can be no “power plays” or disrespect among one another and everyone should know what is expected ahead of time while allowing professionals to do their jobs. It is unhelpful if overly enthusiastic riders or parents get in the way of the trainer or coach that wants to give advice, especially if hired. Furthermore, Massman agrees that smiling when showing can decrease tension, but it should not be overdone. The most important task is to focus on riding. She recommends that riders should be able to self-assess accurately and objectively. This ensures that riders can come to terms with areas that call for improvement, resulting in growth as a horseman. More than anything, the best way to mentally prepare for shows is to relax and enjoy the journey. Horse showing is supposed to be a fun/fulfilling outlet for those wishing to grow as riders, w/a passion for their four legged partners. The last seminar was held by several Michigan 4-H judges who answered questions by those looking to advance in the show pen. ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

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normally play in a small environment, or in such deep ground. Many of the riders come from different backgrounds and experience levels. The team competes with several schools; such as the University of Kentucky and Virginia Tech.

The final question of the day was what the judges' pet peeves are. They had an assortment of replies: not being ready at the cone, riders that expect judges to remember them when asking questions at a large show, obvious coaching from outside the ring, constant clucking in showmanship, asking for advice at inappropriate times (at the end of the day in their show clothes with the horse is better), unfitted halters/tack, dirty equipment, abuse/disrespect, crooked lines, and not using a placing as a learning opportunity. This clinic seemed to be the most helpful for any riders looking to improve their horsemanship in the show pen. Each judge responded to the best of their abilities and they overall consistently agreed with each other. To take a break before polo could begin at one o'clock, the MSU Equestrian Team gave away MSU Dairy Store ice cream sandwiches. Despite their ice cream being tasty, I opted not to eat any considering the freezing outdoor temperatures. Warm food seemed comparably more appealing. To end the day, the MSU Polo Club performed a polo match in front of a large crowd of spectators. There were two, three rider teams – green and white – demonstrating the way to play polo while someone narrated the match and providing information about the horses and riders. This was the first time I had ever watched polo, so I found the discipline very interesting to see in person. Each rider had to contort their body to hit the ball with a long wooden mallet on a tall horse that had to constantly stop and turn around at alternating speeds. Similar to soccer, there are passes between the ball and positions of offense, midfield, and defence. There are also two goals, but these can be any height. In addition, a referee on horseback oversees the match. Polo games usually have four – seven and a half minute quarters known as chukkers. Between each chukker, riders switch horses since the mounts become too winded, resulting in many players owning an entire string of horses. In intercollegiate polo, both teams bring a string of six or seven horses to a game and both teams ride everyone's horses to maintain an equal playing field. These horses are often times called polo ponies despite their tall Thoroughbred size. Most polo ponies in the United States were racehorses that have a high degree of speed and agility that enables them to keep up with the game. It is commonly asked if the horses get hurt, but that rarely happens due to safety precautions. Every horse's tail is braided and tied up to the tail-bone to ensure that it is not stepped on or gets tangled. Their manes are also roached to help riders see the ball, grab the reins, and keep the horses cool. Moreover, the horses wear polo wraps and sport boots to prevent any leg injuries from bumping into other horses, balls, or mallets. Even though close contact between horses and riders is allowed through bumping, rules are enforced that prevent dangerous bumps. Players ride in close-contact English saddles specifically designed for polo. The horses are also outfitted with a girth, an over-girth, a breastplate, two sets of reins, and martingales. Many of the school's polo ponies were donated from all across the country, but the students will not make a horse play if they realize that this is not the horse's calling, or if they do not have a levelheaded mind-set. The team's ponies that reside at Massman Stables were able to adapt to the Pavilion's arena, but they do not ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

While the students were swapping ponies in between chukkers, there were polo related activities for children in the audience to participate in. The kids definitely seemed eager to run down to the arena to play games that the Polo Club organized. The game itself was fast-paced and fun to watch, it is easy to see the adrenaline behind every sprint down to the ball. The polo demonstration did a great job highlighting the basics of the game and raising awareness for not only the team, but the discipline as a whole. I thought the day went very well with a great amount of people attending, despite adverse road conditions and outside temperatures. Each seminar, as well as the polo match provided a variety of information that resulted in a day filled with learning and fun! Shelby Agnew, Reporter At Large Contact the author at: shelby.saddleup@gmail.com

Photo Credit: Shelby M. Agnew (34)

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MMA – Getting A Strong Ground Game & Range Safety Tips by Heather Grace | Founder Michigan Midwest Mounted Archers January's Saddle Up edition included information on the growing sport of Mounted Archery. This months’ article is an introduction to safety considerations on ground ranges and why you should focus on your ground game. In clinics or lessons you start by learning to shoot on the ground. In fact, your ground game is probably the most important part of your training. Before ever involving your horse, get a STRONG GROUND GAME! Get confident with bow and arrow, arm guard, tape, ring, glove and quiver. The more confident you are, the more confident your horse will be under your leadership. If you don't have proper form on the ground, you won't have it in the saddle when you are riding reinless, juggling horse and gear. You will develop bad habits, best to take the time it takes to form good ones. There are numerous ways to shoot. Most competitive mounted archers in the United States use thumb draw as taught by Lukas Novotny, the founder of the modern sport in U.S. Although the tradition in America is that of Native Americans, horseback Archery roots trace back even further and farther across the globe. Why is safety so important when doing ground or mounted archery? Arrows are live ammo. This sport is born from hunting and war. Not only do you have a responsibility when shooting to keep you and your horse safe, but you have a responsibility to the people, animals and property around you. That includes folks who may just be passing by. USA Archery has been training the masses for decades in ground archery. For the sustainability of the sport of Mounted Archery, we need to PREVENT injuries to people, animals and/or property. The best way to do that is to get trained. Once you are confident with your gear and shooting from the ground, you can work with your horse. Introducing your horse to the sport will be covered in a future article. SAFETY – Whether you are by yourself or with groups here are some tips: • KNOW where the arrow will go when the target is missed. • SECURE AREA – lock doors, put up signage, ropes or caution tape to ensure, indoors or outdoors, no one can enter the range. • BACKSTOP should absorb the force of an arrow. Having a solid wall will not only cause damage to the wall, it will likely cause the arrow to ricochet. Specialized curtains indoors or 150 feet of open space if outdoors, are generally used. In the horse community, round bales or square bales are often used. Remember with square bales, the arrow can go through where they meet, so you need to stagger more than one row behind, if using this method. • LINES need to be clearly marked for any group shooting. Waiting Line, Shooting Line, Target Line. Know your Safety Zones. • DISTANCE – minimum on ground range between shooter and target is 15ft. Typical ground ranges are 15-30 feet between Target Line and Shooting Line. Behind the Shooting Line is the Waiting Line, another 15 feet. Behind that is the Spectator Area, another 15 feet. • 2Cs (Carrying Arrows & Counting Arrows) – Always carry your arrows tips down. If you trip with arrows up, you can impale yourself or others. Count your arrows. Stray arrows left in ground or hay are a hazard to horses and humans. ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

• ARROW RETRIEVAL – One person at a time is the USA Archery Standard. This is the number one location where accidents happen on the range. • GROUND ARCHERY RANGE – Want to see a proper ground range? Go to a local archery range/league/conservation club. To learn how to set-up safe ground and mounted archery ranges, sign-up for the USA Ground Archery Level 1 Instructor Course through MMA. The course is offered in April. If you want to manage a mounted range, MMA can help you with that as well. • MOUNTED ARCHERY RANGE – Mounted archery ranges are significantly less available than ground archery ranges. Set-up differs, although safety is still the priority. Most mounted ranges are attached to clubs with their own membership criteria. Each club has its own structure, focus and culture. Some are mostly social, others are more skills based like MMA. Mounted archery ranges come in a variety of forms and some clubs offer only one of these styles. MMA has access to all of the below. ARENA – The arena needs to be cleared of all obstacles and other activity. Shoot toward middle of arena. LANE – Typically 4-6 meters wide, 90 meters long, targets 7 meters from lane in standard Korean Course. Measurements for each course are slightly different. Lane training is ideal for Beginners and Competitors. TRACK – Ideal segue between Lane and Field Archery. Polish Course is common track course. FIELD ARCHERY – Generally more advanced. Challenges include the horse wanting to graze, undefined path, open area and more reinless riding. There are so many ways to enjoy archery either on the ground or with your trusty stead. The above is not comprehensive and should not be used in place of training. It is simply a brief introduction to safety considerations, ranges and the exciting sport of Mounted Archery! To learn more, schedule a demo, get in a clinic, find ground or mounted instructor or order gear visit www.MidwestMounted Archers.com ~ Aim True! Heather Grace Founder of Mounted Archery in Midwest, Founder of Michigan Mounted Archers Midwest Mounted Archers USA Archery Level 2 Instructor www.MidwestMountedArchers.com (35)

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Horse Association & Trail Riders News

BLACK SWAMP DRIVING CLUB – OHIO Those black caterpillars seen in October certainly heralded the deep freeze weather experienced by Black Swamp Driving Club members in late December and early January. However, there's an up side: It's sleighing weather. Angie Hohenbrink reports that her mare had no problems handling her Albany cutter, providing a fun, but brisk and snowy drive. Winter meetings will continue at the Good Hope Lutheran Church, Arlington, Ohio, on February 10 and March 10. Drives and events for 2018 will be scheduled along with plenty of talk about driving, carriages, and sleighs. Bring snacks to share during the 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. meetings. Several Swampers will be involved with the Great Lakes Area Driving Series (GLADS) as competitors, volunteers, and spectators. The fun kicks off April 6th-7th with Francois Bergeron, Montreal, Quebec, officiating the initial arena driving trial (ADT). Tracey Morgan, Bealsville, MD, several times U.S. representative to the World Driving Championships, is scheduled to judge the second ADT May 11-12. Both ADT's will be held in the spacious indoor arena at Windy Knoll Farm, Sullivan, Ohio. Another longtime successful World Championships entry, Lisa Singer, Chads Ford, PA, will be adjudicating the Horse Driving Trial (HDT) June 16-17, using the outside facilities at Windy Knoll Farm. (Ponies and minis may also compete in an HDT.) Competitors drive a dressage test, tackle a cones course, and finish with a cross country marathon with maze-like obstacles to drive through successfully. The series concludes Aug. 4-5 at the Brecksville, OH, Kiwanis show with a combined test (CT) and pleasure driving classes. For more information, contact organizer Stacey Giere at 440-292-7198. The January issue of The Carriage Journal features an article about “escape shafts” written by Roger and Sue Murray. Several patents were issued for shafts that had mechanisms that would release a runaway horse from its carriage. The Murrays point

out that regardless of design, these didn't work well. Ropes, pulleys, and springs had to give way at once to free the panicked horse. Then what would happen to the loose carriage? This well researched article is well worth reading. Winter is a great time for getting carts and carriages ready for driving season. Antiques need special care: Check wheels for worn leather washers and adequate grease, look for rot or cracks in the wood, and rust or needed grease in any metal parts. Modern “combined driving” type vehicles also need wheels checked for grease and wear. Since these carriages are driven over rough terrain, through sand, and into water, wheels as well as the entire vehicle undergo considerable stress and should be checked carefully. It's also a great time to clean and examine harnesses. Leather needs to be conditioned and stitching checked. Both synthetic and leather harnesses can crack and have holes that are stretched and weakened. Buckles can weaken, especially the tongues. Always be observant to be safe. Interested in learning to drive a carriage? The Black Swamp Driving Club is an active driving group that welcomes new drivers and members. Check the website at: www. blackswampdrivingclub.com or the Black Swamp Driving Club Facebook page for information on upcoming events. Hope to see you soon!

BRIGHTON TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION It's not our policy to start off each column with comments on the weather but hey, that seems to be the lead story on every newscast these days. Granted, our part of Michigan – or the whole state for that matter – is not typically cursed with earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, mud slides, etc. like those which occur with regularity in other parts of the country. There are a lot of reasons for us to sit tight in the Wolverine State and dodging those notorious weather bullets is just one of them. Nevertheless, our recent weather has hit us with a few curve ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018 (44)

balls. We've had snow, wind, and sub-zero temps lately, but a big thaw is supposed to be on the way. That might make a stroll outside more pleasant, but what's it going to do to trails that did have a nice snow packed surface that later thawed and turned to slush and then re-froze and then ….? The highpoint of BTRA activities over the last months was our annual Christmas party held on December 9th. In keeping with tradition, we co-hosted it with our friends and neighbors, the Pinckney Trail Riders, and it was the biggest indoor event to the year. This gala was held at Cleary's Pub in Howell and once again, this establishment served up a delicious buffet dinner. Well over sixty guests with big appetites showed up and after they filled up on the meal, they were treated to a new game. We called it the “Feed Bag Raffle” and it featured a large variety of prizes that filled several display tables. Each prize had a “Feed Bag” (ticket container) and guests, after purchasing tickets, placed them in the bags and waited to hear their names called as winners. This game was a smashing success and we'll probably repeat it at future events. What made it such a success was the generosity of members from both organizations and several local businesses who donated prizes. We demonstrate our thanks to the businesses by giving them advertising in our clubs' newsletters, and we thank our members for their contributions. Now we're busy planning our events for the New Year. At a recent Board meeting we made a lot of progress on our schedule and when it is finalized, it will be shared with all our members and posted on our website. It will include a number of established events and we might even have some new events for this upcoming season. For the time being, we're going to ride out the winter weather and remind ourselves that spring is not too far in the future. Be sure to visit www.brightontrailriders.net and keep abreast of new developments on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ groups/brightontrailriders/. Mark Delaney, BTRA President

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Horse Association & Trail Riders News

FORT CUSTER HORSE FRIENDS ASSOCIATION Hello Trail Riders! It's so good to welcome the 2018 riding season, finally! Even with the snow and cold that everyone is enjoying, there are rides and new trails all of us want to visit this year. Our first event will be the Annual Spring Camp Out held May 17-20th. We are holding this 4-day event a little later this year in hopes of warmer weather. As usual, it will be staged at the beautiful Whitford Lake event area. This lovely camping spot has picket poles around the perimeter, an outhouse, trail access to several trails and community fire pits. We supply water for the horses, manure removal, pancake breakfasts and a potluck with pulled pork for Saturday supper. All of this for 4 days is just $45 for members and $60 for nonmembers. There will be no site reservations this year, it will be pick a site when you arrive. But, you can still send your camping fees in early for registration. Don't miss this opportunity to camp and explore the trails for 4 days with your friends! There are 20+ miles of trails that wind around lakes, prairies, rolling hills with 6 creek crossings. Go to our website at www.fcfha.org for information or call Nancy Simmonds 269-9673613 with questions. Our campground proposal for the trail head has been submitted and is going through DNR channels, hopefully for approval. We haven't heard any news of the status of the proposal. We are also submitting additional proposed trails for approval that would add approximately 6 more miles of trails. These would be 3 loops around fields that lay between Whitford Lake and the North River Trail. We are proposing that these loops be horse and cart trails to be posted as such. The details are being worked out for this and we will keep our readers informed as we proceed. You can find FCHFA set up at the MHC Expo March 9, 10 and 11 for your trail riding news with our friendly volunteers! Stop by and say Hi, and make your plans to ride at Fort Custer this year! We will also be at the Kalamazoo

4H Leaders Tack Sale March 19. Get your information for Spring/Fall Camp Outs and see what we've done, plus plans for 2018. All the things that we have accomplished and have future plans to do depend on all of you that enjoy the trails at Fort Custer. Just paying dues, to any club, builds the funds necessary to maintain and improve our trails and Parks. Everyone has a couple of hours here and there that could be used to help at work bees, fund-raisers, or camp outs. Don't be one of those people that "let the other guys do it". Make 2018 the year you show up and help out, somewhere, anywhere! When you ride the trails and cross a spot you worked on, you will smile inwardly and be proud to be part of it! We would love to have you join us! See you on the trails! Toni Strong, FCHFA Secretary

HIGHLAND TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION Exciting times are on the horizon for the HTRA. January was our membership renewal month. If you missed signing up in January, you can still join or renew your membership now. Our annual membership is still $15.00. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. MDNR Matching Funds Program – HTRA recently applied for the MDNR match program with the support of our park manager. The application included a 20x40 pavilion, a grill and picnic tables in the campground with a much-needed kiosk at the equine staging area. We will be competing with other groups for this funding, so we will have to wait and see if we are selected. Equine only camping in 2018 during the following time-frames: April 20-May 21, 2018 and Sept 5-30, 2018 Program details and reservation instructions are posted on our website at http://www. highlandtrailriders.com. Please invite your friends and coordinate your own events during these time-frames. We have worked

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hard and don't want to miss this awesome opportunity to restore equine only camping at the Highland Recreation Area. HTRA Camping / Day Ride Event Dates May 18 – 20* (Saturday: Poker Ride) September 7–9 (Saturday: Horseshoe Hunt) *Note: Event date for May event was changed to avoid conflicts with Mother's Day. Come Ride with us! Highland Trail Riders

IONIA HORSE TRAILS ASSOCIATION Ionia Horse Trails Association met on January 9th at our park headquarters, and we are well on our way to planning your fun riding activities for 2018! We're working on new activities to introduce at both our Sunday of Memorial Weekend and our 2nd Forbidden Trails Ride! If you have outstanding ideas, please come to our February 13th meeting and share! Our events this year are: May 25-28 Memorial Weekend, Activities 10 am Sunday Late June or Mid-July Forbidden Trails Ride (we should know the date in February) October 5-7 Chili Cook Off, Activities 10 am Saturday Chili Cook Off 5 pm We've had our new logo digitized, so we are ready to embroider our new garments. Once you renew, you can also take your IHTA card to Silk City Sports in Belding and have your garment embroidered with the new logo! You MUST present your current membership card for this privilege. We also plan to order some new things for the 2018 season. Another Update – We have revised our Facebook page to "Ionia Horse Trails – IHTA." We hope you like the new look. FYI – we are planning at least TWO work bees this spring, UNLESS we get a HUGE turn out and can accomplish MONUMENTAL amounts of work in one work bee (which still may be a whole weekend!) We will be building corrals on more sites! Yes! Building! The new corrals will be wood, much like those at Yankee Springs if you had the pleasure of visiting there in 2017. Please plan WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

Horse Association & Trail Riders News IONIA HORSE TRAILS ASSOC, continued on coming to help, especially if you have construction tools and skills, but plain ole’ effort is much appreciated too. A BIG Thank You for Ron Walker stepping up to fill the Vice President's role until this year's elections. IHTA has room for one more member on the board. If you'd like your voice to be heard regarding the direction the group and park is taking, please come to our meetings the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Park Headquarters building. We'd like to see your smiling faces, either way! Thanks for your continued support of IHTA and our Ionia Horse Trails.

MAYBURY STATE PARK TRAIL RIDERS Happy New Year! Hope you all enjoyed your Holidays as well as I did, I got my last ride December 4th I believe, with my Buddy Kahn, very quiet and lovely, and THEN...THE ARCTIC VORTEX!!! Haven't seen it get so cold so early. I know the skiers were thrilled and certainly the ponies frisky. But, as we say in Michigan, wait a bit and things will change. As I write this, winter has returned after a brief respite, just enough to mine manure that appeared after the snow melted. I went to the January meeting for MHC, and the vet there said to watch your horses water intake, she had seen a lot of impactions due to horses not drinking enough. I personally add warm water to my guys meals to make a soup; they LOVE IT and slurp it up! I keep a heater in my water trough, and keep an eye on the water level. The vet said that they will drink 5-10 gallons each every day. Dennis Hurley's riding partner, Ranger, had surgery on a growth in his sinus cavity last month and Dennis tells me he is recovering nicely and is full of 'piss and vinegar'! Great Christmas present thanks to all who so generously contributed to his surgery fund!! The Scentsy Fundraiser went well, we added $155.60 to our trail funds, THANK YOU all who came and contributed! The Annual Meeting was attended by 8 of us, and the food, the company and atmosphere was very

festive. Pretty noisy, so we didn't do much work but sure did have a good time. Michigan Horse Council has a new Website! Way to go Kevin Piper of Michigan Web Service! If you get a chance check out their website: they have joined the 21st century! It's a beautiful thing, very easy to navigate and user friendly, touché MHC! There is online access to all the pertinent forms. And there are some bugs to work out as with anything new, but PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION. CHECK IT OUT! MHC is looking to put a trail rider on the board in April. There is an opening, please come! They really need some new ideas and energy. I also attended the annual meeting of the Friends of Maybury, at their and Traci Sincocks invitation. This is NETWORKING. I met a lot of people who are just as interested in preserving our urban gem as we are! We now have an official contact in case of an emergency for our horses. This will be posted on the NEW Kiosk that has been put on the north end of the Equine Staging Area. DR. HILLARY LOBAR 248-707-1098, email: huronriverequine@gmail.com Here are the dates for 2018, please put these in your calendar! SUNDAY, JUNE 10TH – GOLF OUTING FUND RAISING EVENT One of our rides is going to be a Destination Ride! Keep your eyes peeled! JUNE 24TH – SUMMER RIDE SEPTEMBER 29TH – FALL RIDE Check us out online at mayburytrail riders.org, FACEBOOK or contact me, Christina Purslow, at 248-912-5238 crispurslow@yahoo.com for more info. And if you visit Maybury PLEASE SIGN THE REGISTRY BOOK AT THE KIOSK IN THE STAGING AREA, just so they know how many of us enjoy the park. Christina Purslow

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MiCMO MICHIGAN COMPETITIVE MOUNTED ORIENTEERING The ride schedule for 2018 is coming together nicely and the dates as of now are posted on the nacmo.org website under complete national schedule. Michigan is again showing strong on the national level with several teams, both long and short, and individuals in the national rankings. Again, all this information is on nacmo.org. If you are a little south of Michigan, there is also an Illinois/Indiana chapter that holds rides in their area. The national website also gives a great description of what competitive mounted orienteering is all about and how to get started. This is a no experience necessary sport and the longer you do it, the better you will get. The following is an excerpt from nacmo.org that helps give an overview of our sport. Competitive Mounted Orienteering (CMO) is one of the most challenging and exciting equestrian sports – for the competitive as well as casual horse rider! Riders compete either as a team or as an individual. Competitors draw for a randomly assigned starting time, with riders leaving every five or ten-minute intervals. Each competitor is given a map at the starting line with the area's roads and trails clearly marked. Scattered throughout the ride area are ten numbered circles marked on the map – these are the locations of the Objective Stations, the treasure in this mounted treasure hunt! An Objective Station is a 9" paper plate with two highlighted letters, the ride date and a station number written on it – hidden somewhere within the circle. On the back of the map after each station number are compass bearings taken TO or FROM identifiable landmark clues. The circle on the map indicates the approximate area on the map where the objective station and the supporting clues are located. Correctly reading a map and taking accurate compass readings are important skills to master in this fast-paced sport. The object of the sport is to ride out and find WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

Horse Association & Trail Riders News MI COMP MTD ORIENTEERING, cont. as many of the Objective Stations as you can and get back in the least amount of time, on either a long ten-station or short five-station course. Watch for all our rides to be posted on the Saddle Up! Calendar as they are finalized. Enjoy the winter and I hope you find a day to get out in the saddle! Janet

MICHIGAN FOX TROTTERS ASSOC. Here it is, we have made it to February, we are slowly making it toward Spring. And what do we think of in February? Why, LOVE of course! If you want to set up a date for your mare with a really nice Fox Trotter stallion, then you are in luck! Chuck Fanslow (clf222@yahoo.com or 989-435-9224 after 5 pm) has a CottonEyed Joe Y son who is available for breeding. He is located in Gladwin, MI. Gale Gunders (989-426-3403) of Gladwin also has a spotted stallion to breed to. If you would love to own a stallion, Bob Howell (bob.a.howell@cmich.edu or 989866-2104) of Mt. Pleasant, MI, has a nice foundation stallion for sale who was shown in Ava, MI when younger. All the above stallions throw really nice babies with gait and personality. Now if you would just love to buy an MFT mare or gelding, contact the breeders above as well as Char Ostrom (www.paladinfarm foxtrotters.com or 517-983-3550) of Charlotte, MI for a nice selection of MFTs to choose from. Our Versatility Challenge is now open! Go to michiganfoxtrotters.com to print off an enrollment form and the rules to follow. They are also available on our Facebook page. This is a really fun year-long contest for earning points doing many activities with your horse. Highest point earners in each division will win a really nice belt buckle! Sign up now! Our January meeting was held on the 27th in Mt. Pleasant, MI. The outcome of the officer election and report of the meeting will be revealed in the March article.

2018 MFTA memberships are currently being accepted. Print the form off our website and send it to the Secretary. The fee is $15 per person or $20 per family. Very reasonable! This will get you into MFTA clinics for a reduced price. Plus, you will become involved in an educational and active fun-filled association that loves to promote this breed! You are not required to own an MFT to join. The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) is our mother organization. They support our affiliate financially, so we encourage you to send in your $40 MFTHBA annual membership also. Go to mfthba.com to pay your dues, register your Fox Trotter, read the Journal, access the database, etc. Enroll in the Fox Trot America program while you are at it. Record your trail miles in this program and win more prizes! Marilyn Mannino (MFTA Sec./Treas.)

MICHIGAN HORSE DRAWN VEHICLE ASSOCIATION The next meeting of Michigan Horse Drawn Vehicle Association will be Saturday, February 10th at 11 am at Brody Complex at MSU, Harrison Rd, East Lansing. Parking is at Kellogg Center for $5. Your meal can be purchased for $11 at Brody, all you can eat buffet. The speaker will be either about Norwegian fjords and Norway or about fire safety on the farm, presented by Delhi Township firemen. The annual Blue Ribbon Pleasure show will take place the second weekend of June at Rattlewood Farm in Oxford, Michigan. We are starting to fill our calendar with driving activities ranging from a drive at the Hoosier Horse Park in Edinburg, IN on Memorial Weekend, to joining the Sleepy Hollow Trail Riders for their camp out on Labor Day weekend. If you have an interest in driving as an activity, come join our friendly group of driving enthusiasts! Sincerely, Dorothy Childs, President

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NORTHERN MI PAINT HORSE CLUB To say Baby, It's Cold Outside is an understatement! But a Michigan winter, it can be 10 or 40 degrees in just 24 hours. Yet, it's February, Spring is just around the corner with dreams of riding and showing. The NMPHC has a tentative show schedule for 2018: June 30 and July 1 at MSU Pavilion, July 21 and 22 at MSU and in August, Muskegon County Fairground (dates to be finalized); this is a beautiful showground. These shows will be 2 judges each day, so come show either day or both, and there will be forthcoming Special Flat Fees for those who show the entire weekend to 4 judges. There will be a full slate of Open, Youth, Amateur and Solid Paint Bred classes along with All-Breed classes. Further information will be coming in the next issue's column. The NMPHC is also sponsoring two All-Breed Open Horse show circuits. May 5, 2018, EWHA Open Horse Show at Montcalm County Fairground in Greenville. And the best FUN show in Michigan, The Going for Broke Casual Pleasure Series, Montcalm County Fairground, Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm, Dates June 12, July 10, July 24, and August 14, 2018. Check Facebook “Going for Broke” for entry forms, showbill and more information. NMPHC also has a booth at the MI Horse Expo in March, so stop by for a visit, a question, and to meet with old or new friends. Hope to see you there.

ORTONVILLE RECREATION EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION Our apologies for the inconvenience, but last month's article contained an error in OREA's 2018 event dates. The Memorial Weekend Poker Ride and Campout is Saturday, May 26th. We're certain there will be campers on Friday, May 25th and Sunday, May 27th as well, so come out and join us for the entire weekend! WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM

Horse Association & Trail Riders News ORTONVILLE REC EQUESTRIAN, cont. In addition to our events and trail development activities, we have a couple other projects planned for 2018. The first is a park gate to facilitate approved safety and utility vehicle access to interior portions of the bridle trail system. The second is placement of an OREA Kiosk at the trail head to communicate activities and contact information for local resources. OREA is a 501c3 and welcomes all interested persons. Membership directly supports our work at the park. Applications can be printed from hadleyhills.com or mailed to you upon request. Find us on Facebook at OREA – Ortonville Recreation Equestrian Area. Questions? Looking to ride with someone? Call/text me or leave a note on our website's Contact tab. Happy trails! Karen DeOrnellas, OREA President 913-660-8012

PROUD LAKE TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION Hello Everyone! The board of Proud Lake would like to thank everyone who came out and participated in our 2017 events. From our banquet to our Scavenger Ride and then our Obstacle Ride. Camping was such a hit that we broke open our additional lot and created twenty more hitching posts. We had the highest attendance at all our events this year, so thank you for making everything such a great success! Big news...Our annual banquet will be Friday, February 9th at Bakers. It is $25 a person for a full meal. We will have our ever-famous Silent Auction and there will be plenty of door prizes. Come hang out with your riding buddies and make new ones. We now have it set up that you can pay in advance. You can use PayPal (proudlaketrailers@gmail.com), or drop a check off to Cindy at the mill (Grand River Feeds). As always, there will be a cash bar. We are also always looking for Silent Auction items, so when you clean out your PONTIAC LAKE HORSEMAN’S closets or get a holiday gift you would rather ASSOCIATION pass along, we would be glad to take it off A brief blast of warm air and the mind ignites your hands. You can drop items off at the mill “trail riding weather” is around the corner!! I with Cindy, or bring them the night of the can't be sure the rest of the nation underbanquet. This event is always packed so be stands what the brief visit of temperatures over 30 can do for the soul, but I know it sure sure to RSVP to Nancy Efrusy via email at refreshed mine and Susie's well-being after efrusy@yahoo.com. Come join us and have more fun than you can pack into one evening. 12 straight days of zero degrees! That said, our regular season June and Mark your calendars for the rest of our 2018 September camp weekend events are schedule… reserved and there is of course already a wait The dates of our riding events will be Sunday, rd list for camping as I write this. But, you can June 3 and we will be camping all weekend, rd contact Susie at US5495@frontier.com and and Sunday, September 23 with camping all get on that wait list today, as life frequently weekend. Camping is always full of panhas changes and schedule challenges, and cakes, movies, campfires, and lots of riding. often camping spots open up. We always Our events are known for our famous potluck have plenty of space for day riders, so please lunches and we always throw in prizes. consider making a visit to the park at least All of our events are open to everyone. You do once for one of our event weekends. not need to be a member of our group I am off to shovel the frosty white stuff from (although we would love for you to be!). We what I view as a glacier at my front door. have people that come out without horses Have a lovely February, Happy Valentines, just to hang out and socialize. Everyone is and be sure to check out our website at welcome and we look forward to meeting up with our old friends and making new ones. www.plha.info or our Facebook page! If you would like to be added to our email list Cheers! to be reminded of upcoming events, please CR, PLH ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018 (48)

email Nancy Efrusy at efrusy@yahoo.com. Lastly, I want to remind everyone that there is hunting in Proud Lake. Please wear your ORANGE! Have a great winter everyone! Cannot wait to see you all at the banquet. Nancy Efrusy, Proud Lake Trail Riders

SLEEPY HOLLOW TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION Events for 2018 will include The Rotten Egg Hunt on April 15th, Spring work-bee TBA, Campover weekends of May 25-May 28 for Memorial Weekend, and August 31-Sept. 3 for Labor Day weekend. Sept. 30 will have the 15th Annual Kris Kulhanik Memorial Judged Trail Ride, but no camping that weekend. Have fun at the 2nd Explore the Hollow and The Forbidden Trails weekend October 19-20. Events have unique poker rides, potlucks, and group campfires. If interested in renting either the modern cabin or rustic cabin “get away” weekend, go to www.midnrreservations.com or call 1800-44-parks. It's easy and fun to rent a camp with picket poles overlooking the lake. If you want to bring your dogs along to the rental cabin, it is now allowed for a $10.00 fee. Also new for 2018, SHSP offers 5 walk-in rustic lake camping sites and the equestrian site is in the works! Watch your old snail mail or email for your 2018 membership renewal reminder letter. Don't miss out on unique special camping events being planned for group fun. Check out our website for membership forms that can be easily downloaded. That's shtra.org or the group's Facebook page. Next Board Meeting at Modern Cabin SHSP 19th at 6:30 pm. Any interested event hosts and new board members please attend. Happy Trails, Marsha Putnam

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Horse Association & Trail Riders News

WELCOME HORSE ASSOCIATION... UPPER PENINSULA MI TRAIL RIDERS Well, 2018 is here and it is the year of the Pony Express Trail Ride across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, starting at the East end (Canada or Lower Peninsula of MI) and riding to the West end (Wisconsin). I have been working toward this goal for well over 10 years and it has never been attempted, to my knowledge. It will most likely start around May 12, depending on the weather, and will go until June 30. The route will be along the general corridor of M-28, which cuts straight across the upper part of the peninsula. This is the route that will keep us closest to the supplies, gas stations, feed stores, veterinarians, hospitals, sheriff's offices and all the things we might need, and also has the least traffic. There are many parallel trails that can be found on Google Earth maps. There are many horse folk who participate in other trail rides, where everything is mapped out for them, but this one will be on your own, with the help of us local riders. There are about 15 local trail riding groups up here and they will be participating, as will I. To follow what has been planned so far, check out my Facebook page, at UP MTRA, and get informed. There will not be a strict schedule, or length of trip anyone will ride. Whatever you want, and what you and your horse can do. There will be a T-Shirt with our 2018 Pony Express logo for all riders. If you want to join this group, either as a member (and you can't make the ride), or as a rider, please send your pertinent information, plus $20 to UP MTRA, P O Box 139, Skandia, MI 49885. If you are planning on riding, indicate what size t-shirt that you want. There will be constant updates on our Facebook page, and questions and answers will be posted. Currently there are 18 people who are committed to the ride. WE are excited to tackle this trip and hope others will be too. Thanks, Joan Duncan jduncan4444@gmail.com

YANKEE SPRINGS TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION Board Meeting Minutes – January 10, 2018 This meeting was held at the Taylor residence starting at 6:00 pm with a potluck dinner. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm by Ron Walker, President. New Year's Day Ride Update: 17 brave riders rode in the New Year, with the temperature at a chilly 8 degrees. We had several non-riders show up to enjoy the bonfire and chili lunch. Thanks to everyone who showed up to help ring in the New Year. Trail Report: The 9 mile trail is now open to equestrians. Electrical Grant: We heard back from the Gun Lake Casino regarding the grant request. They said our project is outside of the scope of their usual charitable giving, however they did offer a charity night in the Harvest Buffet to help us raise funds for this project. This means we choose a day where 10% of proceeds during designated hours would be donated to our cause. YSTRA Board thought this was worth trying and will have John Soper work out the details with the Casino. I will be sending out more information regarding date and time. Euhcre Tournament is Saturday February 17th, Location: Sandy's Country Kitchen, 11114 Gun Lake Rd., Middleville, MI 49333. Registration 3:00 pm, $15.00 Adults, $10.00 16 yrs and under. $50.00 1st prize, $35.00 2nd, $25.00 3rd. Meal provided by Sandy's Country Kitchen. Bring your friends. All proceeds go to Cancer Families United. Land Manager Update: Suggestion for a fund raiser to join the Gun Lake Winter Fest at YS State Park put on by the Chamber of Commerce in February. Perhaps give pony rides and charge per ride. Andru is on the committee of this event and will look into opportunities for YSTRA for next year. Spur Trail Update: Requested the Stewardship Department to either grant the Spur trail request or advise where we can put another horse trail. Andru believes that we have room to add trail mileage without concern of excessive trail density.

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Suggestion to put a sign at each road crossing on the 9 mile regarding the yearly closing dates. Equestrians violating the hunting closure of the 9 mile game area trail, jeopardize our future use of the game area. New Business: John Dermody suggested YSTRA provide horseback trail rides from the horseman’s campground charging per ride to raise Funds. We discussed some of the details and will continue discussions further. Ron and Carla with Gabrielle Hume attended the January meeting of the Michigan Trail Riders Association. At this meeting they suggested that the MTRA, (the oldest and largest trail association in Michigan) form an organizational membership for the smaller trail groups to join and unite our numbers. Uniting trail groups together will have anticipated benefits for groups to purchase personal travel insurance and for the organization to purchase economical event insurance. The idea has merit and will be continued to be discussed. Michigan Equestrians need a voice in Michigan to work with our land managers within the DNR and also our legislative branch on laws that concern equestrians. February meeting will be at Skip and Jeanne Burger's home. Happy Trails, Kathy Taylor, YSTRA Secretary

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The 7 Deadly Sins of Dressage Book Excerpt – Written by Douglas Puterbaugh FIVE Impatience It is not nearly as difficult to tune an instrument as it is to play it well. Every musician learns this fairly quickly, and before playing, musicians from beginner to virtuoso, tune their instrument as a matter of course. For musicians, tuning is the easy part. It's the playing that's hard. With horses, it's just the opposite. Riding a horse is less difficult than “tuning” a horse. A horse has to be tuned before you can ride him properly. For a dressage horse, tuning is the training – training to respond and follow the aids, and training to focus on the rider. Musicians have to tune their instrument or else it sounds terrible. Similarly, riders have to tune the horse or else he “rides badly.” When viewed closely, all feats of skill reveal an underlying pattern composed of such humble practices. Like pixels in a digital photograph, these habits provide the raw material by which brilliant imagery can be revealed. Small actions, learned correctly and executed carefully, hold the key to performance. But at an even finer resolution the humble practices that compose the phenomena we call skill are themselves the result of a force so fundamental that many who aspire to skill overlook it entirely. That force is patience. Patience holds us close when events seem to be spiraling toward failure. It's the hope that keeps us moving forward despite our doubts. It's strength of character that restrains our base emotions from erupting into anger or sinking into pessimism. Patience calms our restiveness, allowing us to pause and consider other alternatives – no matter how obscure – to solve our problems. Patience permits the light of truth to shine through the forest of deception that obscures our judgment. However, we don't live in an age characterized by patience. On the contrary, the pace of modern life is accelerating ever faster. The demands on our time have grown at the same time the supply of our patience has dwindled. As a result, our reaction to the quickening pace of society has been to succumb to the influence of another force – impatience. Impatience is a restless eagerness for gratification. It's an intolerant desire that brooks no dissent and despises all delay. Impatience craves immediate results. It desires maximum payoff with minimum investment, and it believes it can do two (or three or four) things simultaneously, all of them well. Impatience is especially insidious for it's the well from which frustration and poisonous anger is drawn. Impatience is a deadly sin of dressage because its onset signals an end to the possibility of progress. You can't learn when you're in a hurry. You can't grasp subtleties that require a quiet, seeking mind. An impatient rider can't concentrate, can't focus, and can't become one with the horse. By rushing rather than focusing, impatient riders don't recognize the small, unconscious blunders they make while they ride – actions that frequently detract from their ability to communicate their wishes to the horse. A musician that plays a wrong chord announces to all within earshot that he needs more practice. As a rider, it's not always so obvious when we have difficulty with coordination. The horse, however, is always aware of our unconscious body posture and mannerisms. ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

The process of learning occurs slowly. Bits (or bytes) of information collect in our memory, and only after time and experience do they assemble into a coherent thought or an epiphany. You don't attain a state of enlightenment without a lot of trial and error. If you feel frustrated with the pace of your training; if you find that your mind is distracted while you ride; if you experience flashes of anger directed at your horse or trainer; if you can't take the time to tune your instrument (your horse); then you may be under the influence of impatience, one of the deadliest sins of dressage. Signs of Impatience It's only natural to sometimes feel that things are not going your way. You feel frustrated that your efforts aren't yielding the results you believe they should. You feel the weight of things pressing down upon you. You may be dealing with a host of issues. And now it's your horse. You're feeling frustrated in the arena. Even though you've put in many hours of practice, your horse is still on the forehand or unable to make a half-pass. You're applying the aids correctly and your seat is fine, but he's still resisting. He seems to be walking crookedly on purpose, just to defeat your wishes, and the harder you try, the worse he seems to get. Even though all riders experience periods where they struggle with their horse, by allowing impatience to influence your mind you may be making the situation worse than it might otherwise be. There are several clues that impatience is hindering your training. You're Frustrated More than Occasionally Improving your skill takes time and is rarely easy. Progress is nonlinear – that is, it doesn't advance in a straight line but more like peaks and valleys. Not surprisingly, many riders become frustrated with themselves. But a rider's struggles in the short term will nevertheless yield improvement in the long run if the rider studies, practices, and puts forth the necessary effort. Anyone who rushes through the fundamentals or glosses over their own shortcomings should expect disappointment. If you're a rider who often feels frustrated, then your own impatience may be contributing to your frustrating lack of progress. Your High Expectations Go Unmet Some people won't listen to the truth. They're so ambitious – and stubborn – that they won't accept (for example) that they are not ready to show a level above where they are training. Selfconfidence in the hands of the eager can sometimes produce “mirages” of proficiency. (50)

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one sport I can think of that allows you to call a penalty on yourself. Dressage requires honesty, and that means looking first at your own actions before you blame others. Honesty takes maturity, and maturity is the foundation of fairness. If you're fair-minded, you'll recognize that it's much easier to blame than it is to accept blame. You'll know that it takes courage to confront your impatience with persistence. And you'll understand that sometimes the long way is also the quickest way. Douglas Puterbaugh has traveled and trained internationally, and has successfully taught many horses to the Grand Prix. He enjoys coaching his students at regional competitions and conducting clinics across the United States and Canada. Douglas is a USDF Gold Medalist, CDRA Certified Test Administrator and a USDF L Program Graduate. To order the book “The Seven Deadly Sins of Dressage,” visit either www.amazon.com or www.puterbaughdressage.com.

All riders have to have realistic expectations about what is possible and how long it will take to achieve their goals. Though it's difficult, you have to be objective, detached, and non-emotional when evaluating your abilities. You may be frustrated that another rider has achieved the flying change while you haven't, even though you may have been training just as long. It may be that the other rider's horse is simply better at flying changes than yours, but it's still disappointing. It's been said that disappointment is the “nurse” of wisdom. Realizing that your unrealized expectations may be the result of your impatience could be the epiphany that pushes you to slow down and refocus on the little things that success requires. It takes time to learn to control one's urge to skip ahead, but it is a skill integral to success in dressage. When a rider lets the horse make a flying change before she can hold him in the counter-canter, for example, he will likely be crooked and disobedient. You don't play in Carnegie Hall after seven lessons, and you don't ride Grand Prix without working up to it through the lower levels. You're Quick to Anger and Quick to Blame Impatience is a sure sign of inexperience. Impatient riders get angry. They get angry with their trainer and with their horse. Impatient riders also doubt. They doubt their trainer's ability, and they doubt his advice. They doubt their horse's talent, and they doubt his demeanor. Usually though, impatient riders never seem to doubt themselves. They don't often get angry with themselves either. Dressage requires a rider to be introspective. Besides golf, it's the

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& Beyond! Dear friends, we have some changes at Saddle Up! Magazine I would like to bring to your attention. First of all, my assistant of nearly three years, Mackenzie Gray, is going to be leaving for a new full time position. She has been diligently working towards her Bachelor’s of Science Degree since in my employ, and is now going to be working for a computer software company. I am so proud of her accomplishments, she has graduated with honors with two degrees! Mackenzie’s first degree is an Associate’s in Visual Communications. Mackenzie has been an asset to my company, and I will sorely miss her assistance and friendship. On a good note, my daughter in-law Arlette, will be working with me remotely from her home in Roscommon, Michigan. She will be attending horse shows and expos with me in the future, so everyone will have a chance to meet her. My husband Bill will also be working with me in the office, as he as been for the last four years, and will be attending shows and expos with me as well. The second announcement I have to make is that we have a new email address. Our older email program, Windows Live Mail 2012 is no longer receiving updates from Windows, so we are switching to a new Google (gmail) account. Our new email address, effective immediately is: saddleupmag@gmail.com. Our old email will work as well, but we will be closing that account in a few months. So please make note of it, so our emails do not end up in your spam box, rather than your inbox. Spring is fast approaching, which means show season will soon be underway. Please, when you enter show and event dates online at saddleupmag.com use the “Calendar” tab, rather than the “Classified” tab. We will not place show and event dates in our Classified section of our magazine, only in our Show and Event Date section. Thank you for your support of Saddle Up! Magazine, my family and I truly appreciate it! Cindy Couturier, owner/editor ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

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Horse Manure By Eleanor Blazer • www.horsecoursesonline.com All horses produce manure – and lots of it. The average 1,000-pound horse produces about 50 pounds of manure a day... and this does not include the bedding. When you consider the horse eats about 25 to 30 pounds of feed a day, the manure production is an amazing feat. (Of course, the difference is moisture and body tissue waste.) The dilemma you face is what to do with the manure and soiled bedding? Research invariably turns up “build a compost bin.” I have yet to see a compost bin at any of the stables I have visited during the last 30 years. I’ve seen huge piles of manure – some bigger than houses. My mother has a pile almost as old as I am! Over the years, neighbors have removed some of it for their gardens. I once set it on fire – which was not a smart thing to do. It smoldered for weeks. Luckily Mom lives in Ohio and gets lots of rain. So, what are some options for getting rid of horse manure? Environmentalists, the Co-operative Extension Service and others highly recommend composting. Composting reduces the total amount of waste that needs to be removed and concentrates the beneficial nutrients. The heat generated by composting kills parasites, bacteria and insect eggs. Fully composted manure will not attract adult flies. Plus, composted manure is easy to get rid of...people love it for their gardens. But composting takes effort. You can’t just dump the manure in a pile. It can take up to eight months for raw manure to turn into useable compost; the length of time can vary according to the ambient temperature. A composting bin needs to be constructed on a flat well drained piece of ground. It needs to be easily accessible for both filling and then subsequent removing of the compost. Moisture, air flow and temperature will need to be managed. Moisture is managed by either covering the pile or adding water. Air flow is managed by turning the pile or inserting pipes. Temperature is managed by either reducing the size of the pile or increasing it. Contact your local Co-operative Extension Service for plans and instructions on building and managing a successful composting operation. There is also composting information on the internet. The majority of horse owners just pile the manure in a huge heap behind the barn. When deciding where to put the manure pile, consider possible contamination of water (ponds, creeks and wells). A 50-foot grass buffer strip is recommended between the pile and water sources. A manure pile holding area can be helpful. This structure features a concrete floor; berms that offer drainage control and walls that will keep the pile in one spot and help with the aesthetics of the stable. Once the pile reaches immense proportions (or the neighbors start to complain) it’s time to get rid of the pile. The easiest way to get rid of the manure is spreading it on your own land. This requires a tractor, manure spreader, a front-end loader (or a strong back and manure fork) and land. There are some drawbacks to spreading raw manure and bedding on your land. The horses will not eat grass that has manure spread ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

on it. If there are weed seeds in the hay, you will be seeding your pastures or fields with weed seed. It is possible you will be spreading internal parasites to your pastures (a good de-worming program is man-datory). If the manure is mixed with sawdust or wood shavings the grass or crop in the field will be stunted. If you don’t want crops stunted, you must treat the daily amount of manure collected. Treat it as you take it from the stall. You need to add nitrogen in the form of ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate fertilizer at the rate of ½ cup per day to 40 to 50 pounds of manure. Just sprinkle it on the manure mixture after it has been loaded in the wheelbarrow or spreader. Urea fertilizer will not work because the nitrogen can be lost into the air. Another option to get rid of the manure pile is to pay a farmer or commercial hauler to remove it. Do not fill in low areas with manure. It is organic, and when wet will turn into a bog. The bacteria and parasites it contains create unsanitary conditions. Make sure you remove manure from your turnout area, dry-lot or riding arena and preserve the good footing you have provided for your horse. We all want a neat, clean stable for our horses. With proper management, manure should not detract from that goal. Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in equine studies or certification as a Professional Horse Trainer or Riding Instructor. Start your new career as a riding instructor, horse trainer, or stable manager. All courses are available online. Visit www.horsecoursesonline.com for more information.

Free Show & Event Calendar www.saddleupmag.com/calendar.html Enter Your Events Online 24/7 At Your Convenience! Your submission will automatically be emailed to us for approval. We will then place your event in our online calendar and in our printed edition too!

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Join us for an interactive horse show where the judges wear microphones and give on-the-spot feedback to exhibitors!

NORMA AGNEW MEMORIAL MSU HAIRY HORSE SHOW Saturday, April 14th, 2018 Horses mat arrive after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13th 7:00 a.m. Registration – 8:30 a.m. Show Begins • $40 Stall / $8.00 Class MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI

*No ribbons or points will be awarded for class placing; the feedback is your reward! Proceeds to benefit Michigan 4-H Youth Horse Programs Saturday, 8:30 am 102. Fine Horse Showmanship 14-19 103. Fine Horse Showmanship 13 & under* 104. Open Showmanship 20 & over* 105. Open Showmanship 14-19* 106. Open Showmanship 13 & under* 15 minute break 107. Fine Horse Hunter Pleasure Jr. Horse 108. Fine Horse Pleasure 20 & over 109. Fine Horse Pleasure 14-19 110. Fine Horse Pleasure 13 & under* 111. Open Hunter Pleasure 20 & over 112. Open Hunter Pleasure 14-19* 113. Open Hunter Pleasure 13 & under* 114. Adult Hunt Seat Pleasure Walk-Trot 115. Youth Hunt Seat Pleasure Walk-Trot 116. Open Hunt Seat Equitation 20 & over* 117. Open Hunt Seat Equitation 14-19* 118. Open Hunt Seat Equitation 13 & under* 119. Adult Hunt Seat Equitation Walk-Trot 120. Youth Hunt Seat Equitation Walk-Trot 15 minute break

121. 122. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. 141.

*Show is open to any exhibitor over age 9 (by 1/1/18) • • • • • • • • •

ONLY PREPAID STALL RESERVATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Class Entries Close at 11:00 a.m., on the 14th Horses may arrive after 5:00pm on Friday, April 7th Show open to any breed of horse. ASTM/SEI approved helmets are required in all youth Hunt/Saddle Seat classes A/HA classes are open to Arabian & Half-Arab only Show Clothes are optional No stallions or dogs allowed at this event! Negative Coggins within the last 12 months required No refunds will be issued after March 25th, 2018

A limited number of stalls are available. You must have a stall, no showing out of trailer! To reserve a stall, please send a check payable to: “MSU” to: Hairy Horse Show 474 S. Shaw Lane, Room 1287, East Lansing, MI 48824 Questions? Email Taylor Fabus at: tenlenta@msu.edu Stalls may also be reserve with credit card online at:

An Approved Michigan 4-H Horse Judges Seminar Number of stalls

Adult Walk-Trot English Pleasure (Saddle Seat) Youth Walk-Trot English Pleasure (Saddle Seat) Open English (Saddle Seat) Pleasure 20 & over* Open English (Saddle Seat) Pleasure 19 & under* Open Saddle Seat Equitation 20 & over* Open Saddle Seat Equitation 19 & under* Walk Trot Saddle Seat Equitation 15 minute break Fine Horse Western Pleasure Jr. Horse Fine Horse Western Pleasure 20 & over Fine Horse Western Pleasure 14-19 Fine Horse Western Pleasure 13 & under* Open Western Pleasure 20 & Over* Open Western Pleasure 14-19* Open Western Pleasure 13 & under* Adult Western Pleasure Walk-Trot Youth Western Pleasure Walk-Trot Open Western Horsemanship 20 and over* Open Western Horsemanship 14-19 * Open Western Horsemanship 13 & under* Adult Western Horsemanship Walk-Trot Youth Western Horsemanship Walk-Trot

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Palm Partnership Training™

Turning or Bending Aids by Lynn Palm I want to explain the importance of the turning aids and give you some exercises to practice to more effectively use them. This information may be a revelation. It will help improve your transitions and may change your riding forever! Turning or “bending” aids include our hands through the reins and our legs. We use these aids to control the horse's direction of travel and his body position. The term “bending” may be unfamiliar to some readers. When the bend through the horse's side is correct, his body conforms the arc of whatever curved line he is on. If a horse is bent properly on a circle, we say he is “straight” because he is properly following the arc of the circle. His hind feet follow in the tracks of the forelegs on a curve. To do this he must bend. The primary aids to turn or bend a horse are the rider's outside leg and outside rein. The “outside” is the side of the horse opposite from the direction of the turn. For example, if I want to turn my horse in a circle to the left, I turn him using my outside aids--the right leg and right rein. The job of my inside (left) leg is to keep the horse forward and out on the turn. My inside (left) rein is used to lightly position my horse's head so he is looking in the direction of the turn. Let's look at the function of each aid in turning or bending a horse: Outside Rein: Functions as the turning rein. It asks the horse to move his shoulders to follow the arc of the circle or turn. When using the outside rein, be careful not to move the outside hand over the crest of the horse's neck. Outside Leg: Is positioned slightly behind the girth. It helps to bend the horse's body around the inside leg and keeps his hindquarters from swinging out and off the arc of the circle or turn. Inside Rein: Lightly positions the horse's head in the direction of the turn. Do this by slightly rotate the inside hand as if “turning a key” or “opening a doorknob” and slightly opening the rein in the direction of the turn to position the head. Inside Leg: Positioned at the girth. Helps keep forward momentum and, as my friend and Olympic rider Jane Savoie describes in her wonderful book Cross Train Your Horse; “the inside leg serves as a pole for the horse to bend around.” Now that you have a better idea of how the turning/bending aids are used, here's an exercise to practice applying them. I'll walk you though it, describing the use of each aid. Figure 8's – Circles with Change of Direction at the Walk The goal of this exercise is to complete 2 equal sized, medium sized, round circles at the walk in a “figure 8” pattern. Start by asking the horse to walk forward. Begin turning him on the first circle to the left. To follow the circle, turn the horse using the right rein against his neck, holding the right leg slightly behind the girth. The inside leg is active and keeps him moving forward as he bends around it. “Turn the key” and slightly open the left inside rein to lightly position the horse's head so he is looking in the direction he is turning. As you complete the circle to the left, prepare to reverse directions across the middle of the imaginary “figure 8”. Straighten the horse for a few steps while crossing the middle of the “8”. Prepare to change the horse's body position to ready him for a circle to the ©2018 C & C PUBLISHING, INC. • FEBRUARY 2018

right. Start the turn by applying the left leg and left rein while keeping him forward using the right leg. Lightly position his head to the right using the inside (right) rein. Practice this exercise, then add some challenge by asking the horse to make tighter circles within the figure 8 pattern. Remember the same principles apply: Outside rein--outside leg to turn. Maintain the inside leg to keep him forward (so he doesn't stall in the tighter turn) and lightly position his head with the inside rein to keep in looking in the direction he is turning. Your next Step… Once you feel that you are solid on understanding the role of the turning/bending aids, pick up the pace and try this week's “figure 8” exercise at the trot. The increased speed of the trot will challenge you to apply your aids properly. Here's how to do it: Ask your horse to pick up a trot and start with a turn to the right. Begin turning to the right using your left leg and left rein. Use your inside right leg to keep horse's forward movement at the trot, while the right hand lightly positions his head so he is looking to the right as he is bending and turning in that direction. As you approach the middle of the “8”, prepare to change direction to a circle to the left. Straighten the horse as you cross the middle, then apply the bending aids to the left. Apply the left leg to keep the forward momentum, lightly position his head in the new direction, and use the right rein and right leg to turn. Now that you have a better understanding of the turning/bending aids, next week I'll give you some exercises to help teach your horse how to make transitions to the lope/canter or improve them. These exercises use a modified “figure 8” pattern. That is why it is important to perfect your turning/bending aids first and know how to control you horse's body so it is straight on a line or on a curve. When the horse is straight and his body in the proper position, he will be able to make his transitions properly. Lynn's Training Tip… My goal is to teach you how to use natural aids, not artificial equipment or devices, to control a horse's body. These aids are not hard for either horse or rider to understand. The challenge is coordinating them with the horse's action to get the response you want. Teaching your horse to respond to these aids will open up a new level of communication between you! Start “talking” to your horse today. Visit Lynn Palm online for more training articles, DVDs and books at www.lynnpalm.com or call 1-800-503-2824. Lynn is also on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. (54)

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EQUINOX FARM, LLC

OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE CARING FOR AND TRAINING HORSES Traditional boarding and training as well as these specialized services: • • • • •

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(248) 767-9502 855 N. Hickory Ridge Rd. Highland, MI 48357 Equinox Farm LLC

BERRIEN COUNTY

4-H TACK SWAP Saturday, March 17, 2018 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mobile Veterinary Services

Admission $1 • 5 & Under Free Dealers Welcome • Door Prizes (must be present)

for Horses in Oakland, Wayne, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties

NEW LOCATION • ALL INDOORS

H FEBRUARY IS DENTAL HEALTH MONTH H

Shadow Trailer World Michigan

15% OFF All Equine Dental Procedures

8716 US 31N, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 Sponsored by the Berrien Co. 4-H Horse Leaders Association

Full Range of Veterinary Care Including: Preventative Care • Geriatric Care • Dentistry Digital Radiology • Lameness Emergency Services Available 24/7

Early Registration (before February 28, 2018) One 8x10 $20, Two for $35. At The Door One 8x10 $30, Two for $45. MUST bring your own tables, hanging racks & chairs. Set-Up 11:30 a.m. | Clean-Up MUST be done by 5:00 p.m.

Huron River Equine Veterinary Services, PLLC 248.707.1098

Make checks payable to: Berrien County 4-H Horse Leaders Mail reservation/payment: Swap Meet, c/o Pam McCalebb 114 S. Detroit St., Buchanan, MI 49107

Hillary Lobar, DVM

Contact Pam McCalebb 269.362.3252 Email we_luv_paints@yahoo.com

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2018 MJMHA TACK SALE

S ET

Buy or Sell New or Used Tack at Michigan’s #1 Tack Sale! Snacks and Refreshments Available NEW LOCATION!

Date: February 17, 2018 Where: South Lyon East High School Set-up: 8:00am-10:00am 52200 10 Mile Road South Lyon, MI 48178 Doors Open: 10:00am-3:00pm

RESERVATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 10, 2018 Door charge is $1.00 per person (early admission during set-up is $5.00) We encourage you to reserve a space early, as they are limited! If spaces are available after the deadline, we will only take reservations via credit card information.

To reserve a space complete the form below. Include a check payable to MJMHA or credit card information.

Send to: MJMHA Tack Sale P.O. Box 7128 Novi, MI 48376

Fax: 248-478-5230 Email: alexmarie@yahoo.com

Any Questions? Please call or text Alex Walton (810) 623-5809

Business Name: Name:

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Email Address: With each space 2 people are allowed in to set-up and work the sale for FREE. REMEMBER! If you need more workers to come in before 10:00 a.m. please include $1.00 per person with your payment. Chairs will not be provided, so please plan accordingly for seating at your space. No reservations will be accepted without payment in full.

PRICES: Commercial Spaces Non-Commercial Tables (space must be purchased) Extra Helpers MJMHA Member Discount* Credit Card Convenience Fee Reservation Total

X $45.00 = X $35.00 = X $10.00 = X $1.00 = X $5.00 = X $5.00 = $

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ALL SPACES ARE APPROXIMATELY 10’X10’ * Current 2018 MJMHA members are allowed to take advantage of our $5.00 membership discount. One discount per member. For the most up-to-date information about the sale!

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Jennifer Parker

Justin Kubiak

Realtor

Equestrian

810.701.0493

810.844.2360

Farm and Home

ARE YOU LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? Let us put our proven record to work for you!

PENDING SALE IN 14 DAYS!

SOLD IN 30 DAYS!

35 Acre Equestrian Center Goodrich – $750,000

10 Acre Hobby Horse Farm Goodrich – $285,000

SOLD!

SOLD IN 33 DAYS!

14 Acre Private Horse Farm, Barn Horse Facility with Indoor Arena w/8 Stalls, Metamora – $410,000 Vermontville – $200,000

MAXIMUM EXPOSURE H TARGETED MARKETING H ACCURATE PRICING 360 DEGREE VIDEO H PROFESSIONAL/AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY H EXPANDED NETWORK

COMING SOON!

54 Acre Equestrian Center! 3 barns, 54 stalls. 2 indoor arenas: 100x200 & 60x120. Outdoor arena, observation room w/kitchen & bath. 2 apartments, 4 bdrm. home. Holly – $1,250,000.

Must See To Believe! 26 Acres. Beautiful home built to resemble a hip roof barn! 6,000 sq. ft., 2,600 sq. ft. lower level garage. Barn with 9 stalls, indoor arena, equipment storage. Hudson – $450,000.

10 Acres! Indoor arena, 5 stalls, pond, all on Thread Creek! Salt water pool, hot tub. Updated 5 bdrm. walkout home. Goodrich Schools, Grand Blanc – $434,900.

Awesome Farm! 10 Acres. Livestock barn, bunkhouse with tack room and shop, plus hay barn. Farm set-up to handle multiple types of livestock. Huge home, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Franklin Twp. – $225,000.

12 Acres! New barn, 14’ doors, 4 stalls open to fenced pastures. Room for more. 2 wells, 5 bdrm., 2.5 bath home w/mother in-law suite. Finished basement. Swartz Creek – $350,000.

Newly Built Ranch! 25 Acres. Stainless steel appliances, granite and hand carved hardwood floors. Pole barn, pond. Pastures with run-in sheds. Additional 47 acres. Tecumseh – $450,000.

H TRUSTED ADVISORS H SKILLED NEGOTIATORS H EXPERIENCED EQUESTRIANS H

3295 W. Silver Lake Rd. Fenton, MI 48430 (810) 629-5800

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Welcome to Saddle Up! Magazines’ Youth Spot! This section features fun facts, word searches, puzzles, trivia and articles specifically tailored for equestrians ages 14 and under. Enjoy the fun!

Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, make this world a beautiful garden.

DEVOTED TO YOUNG EQUESTRIANS

WESTERN & ENGLISH SADDLE HISTORY WESTERN SADDLES are used for western riding and are the saddles used on working horses on cattle ranches throughout the United States, particularly in the west. They are the “cowboy” saddles familiar to movie viewers, and rodeo fans alike. The western saddle was designed to be comfortable when ridden in for many hours. Its history and purpose is to be a working tool for a cowboy who spends all day, every day, on horseback. The design of the western saddle derives from the saddles of the Mexican vaqueros – the early horse trainers and cattle handlers of Mexico and the American Southwest. It was developed for the purpose of working cattle across vast areas, and came from a combination of the saddles used in the two main styles of horseback riding then practiced in Spain – la jineta, the Moorish style which allowed great freedom of movement to the horse; and la estradiota, later la brida, the jousting style, which provided great security to the rider and strong control of the horse. 19th Century A very functional item was also added: the saddle “horn.” This style of saddle allowed vaqueros to control cattle by Mexican Officers Saddle use of a rope around the neck of the animal, tied or dallied (wrapped without a knot) around the horn. Today, the western saddle still features this historical element. Some variations on the western saddle design, such as those used in bronc riding, endurance riding and those made for the rapidly growing European market, do not have horns. Another earlier saddle which may have contributed to the design of the western saddle was the Spanish tree saddle, which was also influential in the design of the McClellan saddle of the American military, being used by all branches of the U.S. Army, but being particularly associated with the cavalry. The ENGLISH SADDLE, as we know it today, has undergone many transformations since its beginnings in the 18th century. During this period, the majority of classical dressage riders in Europe rode in high pommel and high cantle saddles which were built on a wooden frame. Based on a model which was used for cattle work, bull fighting, McClellan Saddle, 1859 mounted combat and long-distance travel, it is still in use today, primarily at the Spanish Riding School. Foxhunting in England resulted in a radical redesign of the base model. The sport necessitated travel, sometimes at high speeds, over fences, hedges, banks, ditches and other varying terrains, rendering the old saddle awkward and uncomfortable. The high cantle interfered as riders leaned back over the fence (this was common practice in the days prior to the development of forward seat riding), and the pommel got in the way, as well. Because of this, saddlers designed a saddle with a flat seat, very low pommel and cantle, and no padding under the leg. However, the stirrup bars were set forward and protruded, making it impossible for riders to keep their legs under their bodies. As show jumping and eventing became more and more popular, the evolution of the English saddle continued. Also contributing to the redesign was the advent of forward seat riding. The shorter stirrup length necessitated a more forward flap, and the formerly protruding stirrup bars were recessed. Padding was placed under the flap, for extra security, and the waist was narrowed, resulting in the saddle we know today. Today’s Western Saddle

1700’s English Saddle

1800’s English Saddle

Spanish Riding School Saddle

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE PARTS OF A SADDLE?

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PARTS OF A WESTERN SADDLE

Write the matching numbers in the blanks below

Hobble Strap

Back Jockey Cantle

Horn

Cheyenne Roll

Latigo Holder

Cinch Connecting Strap

Rear Rigging Dee

Cinch Strap

Saddle Strings

Fender

Seat

Flank Billet

Seat Jockey

Fork

Skirt

Front Jockey

Stirrup

Front Rigging Dee

Stirrup Leather

19 18 17

8 15 9 14

Gullet

ANSWERS: 6) Back Jockey, 4) Cantle, 5) Cheyenne Roll, 11) Cinch Connecting Strap, 16) Cinch Strap, 15) Fender, 10) Flank Billet, 21) Fork, 18) Front Jockey, 17) Front Rigging Dee, 20) Gullet, 14) Hobble Strap, 1) Horn, 19) Latigo Holder, 8) Rear Rigging Dee, 9) Saddle Strings, 3) Seat, 2) Seat Jockey, 7) Skirt, 12) Stirrup, 13 Stirrup Leather

PARTS OF AN ENGLISH SADDLE

Write the matching numbers in the blanks below

1 3

2 13

Breastplate Dee

Cantle Girth Knee Pad

Panel Pommel or Head

Saddle Flap

Seat Skirt

Stirrup Iron Stirrup Leather

Surcingle Loop

ANSWERS: 12) Breastplate Dee, 4) Cantle, 7) Girth, 11) Knee Pad, 5) Panel, 13) Pommel or Head, 10) Saddle Flap, 3) Seat, 1) Skirt, 8) Stirrup Iron, 9) Stirrup Leather, 6) Surcingle Loop, 2) Waist

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Dorothy Mueller Dorothy is a qualified Western Dressage Association of America trainer working with all breeds & disciplines.

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Dorothy Offers Training, Lessons, Clinics & Judging

Ironwood Farm Equestrian LLC

CLINICS Available For ALL Breeds, Gaited Horses, Ponies & Mules too!

3275 Hagerman Rd., Leonard, MI 48367 No more land line – call cell phones only!

www.Facebook.com/western dressage associationmichigan

313.215.1943 Mike • 313.215.1944 Dorothy www.ironwoodfarmequestrian.com

CALL FOR STALL AVAILABILITY!

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HAVE YOU HEARD THE

NEWS?

Michigan Horse Expo! March 9th, 10th and 11th, 2018 MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI

WE WILL HAVE NEW PRODUCTS TO GET YOU READY FOR SHOW Boots • Hats • Bits • Tack & So Much More!

SEASON!

Check our website and Facebook page for more information

TOM’S WESTERN STORE Saddle Gift 8982 E. M-21, Ovid, MI 48866 • 1-800-830-5446 or (989) 834-5446 Fittings Cards We’ll see you there! HATS

www.tomswesternstore.com

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Happy Valentine’s Day

TRAINING – LESSONS – BOARDING – JUDGING

Silver Fox Equestrian Center Joan Esterline, Owner, Trainer USDF ‘L’ Graduate USDF Bronze Medal Rider B.A. Equine Science, Otterbein College 2340 Williamston Rd. * Williamston, MI 48895 3/4 Mile South of I-96, Exit 117

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~ THE DARRYLS ~

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Kathie Crowley

248.207.7222

Email: kathie.crowley@yahoo.com

Horse & Country Property Specialist “YOU CAN’T BUILD A REPUTATION ON WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO”

20 Gorgeous Acres! NORTHVILLE HORSE FARM! 20 acres in Salem Township, Washtenaw County. Beautiful, custom updated home, 3,400 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 3 bath. Too much to mention here! Barn, run-in sheds, paddocks/pastures with automatic waterers. MLS# 217074274. Offered at $599,900. Call Kathie for your private showing today!

60 VACANT ACRES IN OAKLAND COUNTY! HIGHLAND/MILFORD - Build your own Equestrian Facility or upscale housing development on this gorgeous parcel! Paved road with 930’ road frontage! Open meadows, woods, numerous walkout sites available. North of M-59 on Milford Road across from Highland Oaks Park, riding trails, close to several state metro parks. MLS# 215112706. Offered at $749,000. Call Kathie for more information.

NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE 2018 SELLING MARKET Call me today to schedule a consultation for marketing your horse/equine related property!

A Big, Heartfelt Thank You... to all of my loyal, wonderful clients, friends and family! 2017 was the best year of my real estate career. I was the NUMBER 1 Individual Salesperson and the NUMBER 2 Overall Agent for the year at the RE/MAX PLATINUM – ANN ARBOR office!! Hard work and a positive attitude really do make a difference. Here’s to an even better 2018!

HARRISON/CLARE COUNTY: Looking for a partner, or someone willing to lease this great facility! 20 fenced acres, indoor and outdoor arenas, 2 bedroom apartment, 20+ box stalls, much more! Call Kathie for more details.

40 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

Kathie Crowley

Horse Farms, Equestrian Estates, Country Property, Vacant Land and Residential

248.207.7222 Consult with a professional who is in the horse business and understands your needs

RE/MAX PLATINUM OF ANN ARBOR 325 W. Eisenhower Pkwy., Ann Arbor, MI 48103

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Kathie Crowley Equine Professional | Real Estate | Judging H JUDGES CARDS H

MICHIGAN

H MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING H ApHC | AQHA | ABRA | APHA | ARHA | IBHA | NSBA | PHBA | POAC | PtHA JUDGING HISTORY 800+ shows judged over a span of 45+ years, including world shows, major shows, futurities, open shows, multi-breed shows, and state fairs in the United States and Canada. JUDGING KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE All events and classes: western| English| hunter/jumper (on the at and over fences) | snafe bit | mules | donkeys | draft horses | saddleseat | dressage | halter | showmanship | cattle and stock horse events | pattern classes | reining | gaited horses including all breeds and disciplines. SCHOOLCRAFT COLLEGE, LIVONIA, MI Past member of faculty and equine advisory committee – equine division/education program. TRAINER, INSTRUCTOR, CLINICIAN, BREEDER AND JUDGE – Extensive background Hauled all-around youth and amateur riders on several circuits. Numerous championships and reserve championships, and year end awards in several breed associations. Owned/managed large equestrian facility for over 40 years, encompassing all aspects of the horse industry. Bred and raised multiple year end award winners, national champions, and world/congress numerous champion/reserve championships. REAL ESTATE Licensed real estate professional for over 40 years specializing in horse and country property/equestrian estates/hobby farms/farms and vacant land. 2017 #1 Individual Salesperson and

2017 #2 Overall Agent in sales volume/earnings at Re/Max Platinum of Ann Arbor. Consult with a professional who is in the horse business and understands your needs...

Kathie Crowley 10978 N. Territorial Rd. Dexter, MI 48130-9579

(248) 207-7222

325 W. Eisenhower Parkway Ann Arbor, MI 48103 • (734) 741-1000

Email: kathie.crowley@yahoo.com

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www.thewrightplacefence.com

ELECTRO-BRAIDTM 3 Strand 4 Strand 5 Strand

3 Strand 4 Strand 5 Strand

$2.00-$2.50 $2.50-$3.00 $2.75-$3.50

WOVEN WIRE 4 Ft. Tightlock

VINYL KOTE ELECTRIFIED HI-TENSILE 3 Wire 4 Wire 5 Wire

$4.50-$5.50

Woven wire designed for horses with 3”x3” spacing on wood posts

$1.25-1.50 $1.50-2.00 $1.75-2.50

TREATED SPLIT RAIL

BOARD FENCE 3 Rail 4 Rail

$4.50-$5.00 $5.00-$5.50 $5.00-$5.50

$11.00-$12.00 $12.00-$14.00

2 Rail 3 Rail

$6.00-7.00 $7.00-8.00

Average installed cost per foot of fence (labor & materials) – All prices subject to change without notice.

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

SUBSCRIPTION EXPIRING?

PA I D FENTON, MI 48430 PERMIT #1776

Check your mailing imprint and renew online at:

www.saddleupmag.com or call 810.714.9000

TIME DATED MATERIAL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY